Graphical programming environment with first model of computation that includes a structure supporting second model of computation

ABSTRACT

System and method for creating a graphical program that uses multiple models of computation (MoC). A first plurality of graphical program elements is assembled in a graphical program in response to first input, where the assembled first plurality of graphical program elements have a first MoC. A structure is displayed in the graphical program indicating use of a second MoC for graphical program elements comprised within the interior of the structure. A second plurality of graphical program elements is assembled within the structure in response to second input, where the assembled second plurality of graphical program elements have the second MoC. The graphical program is executable to perform a function, for example, by executing the assembled first plurality of graphical program elements in accordance with the first model of computation, and executing the assembled second plurality of graphical program elements in accordance with the second model of computation.

CONTINUATION DATA

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/869,572 titled “Graphical Data Flow Programming Environment withFirst Model of Computation that Includes a Structure Supporting SecondModel of Computation” filed on Jun. 16, 2004, whose inventors wereGregory O. Morrow, John C. Limroth, Jeffrey L. Kodosky, Steven W.Rogers, Kevin Hogan, and Hugo A. Andrade, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,506,304,which claims benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/571,205 titled “Graphical Data Flow Programming Environment withFirst Model of Computation that Includes a Structure Supporting SecondModel of Computation” filed May 14, 2004, whose inventors were GregoryO. Morrow, John C. Limroth, Jeffrey L. Kodosky, Steven W. Rogers, KevinHogan, and Hugo A. Andrade, and which are all hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety as though fully and completely set forthherein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of graphical programming, andmore particularly to a graphical data flow programming environment witha first model of computation that includes a structure supporting asecond model of computation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Traditionally, high level text-based programming languages have beenused by programmers in writing application programs. Many different highlevel text-based programming languages exist, including BASIC, C, C++,Java, FORTRAN, Pascal, COBOL, ADA, APL, etc. Programs written in thesehigh level text-based languages are translated to the machine languagelevel by translators known as compilers or interpreters. The high leveltext-based programming languages in this level, as well as the assemblylanguage level, are referred to herein as text-based programmingenvironments.

Increasingly, computers are required to be used and programmed by thosewho are not highly trained in computer programming techniques. Whentraditional text-based programming environments are used, the user'sprogramming skills and ability to interact with the computer systemoften become a limiting factor in the achievement of optimal utilizationof the computer system.

There are numerous subtle complexities which a user must master beforehe can efficiently program a computer system in a text-basedenvironment. The task of programming a computer system to model orimplement a process often is further complicated by the fact that asequence of mathematical formulas, steps or other procedures customarilyused to conceptually model a process often does not closely correspondto the traditional text-based programming techniques used to program acomputer system to model such a process. In other words, the requirementthat a user program in a text-based programming environment places alevel of abstraction between the user's conceptualization of thesolution and the implementation of a method that accomplishes thissolution in a computer program. Thus, a user often must substantiallymaster different skills in order to both conceptualize a problem orprocess and then to program a computer to implement a solution to theproblem or process. Since a user often is not fully proficient intechniques for programming a computer system in a text-based environmentto implement his solution, the efficiency with which the computer systemcan be utilized often is reduced.

To overcome the above shortcomings, various graphical programmingenvironments now exist which allow a user to construct a graphicalprogram or graphical diagram, also referred to as a block diagram. U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,901,221; 4,914,568; 5,291,587; 5,301,301; and 5,301,336;among others, to Kodosky et al disclose a graphical programmingenvironment which enables a user to easily and intuitively create agraphical program. Graphical programming environments such as thatdisclosed in Kodosky et al can be considered a higher and more intuitiveway in which to interact with a computer. A graphically basedprogramming environment can be represented at a level above text-basedhigh level programming languages such as C, Basic, Java, etc.

A user may assemble a graphical program by selecting various icons ornodes which represent desired functionality, and then connecting thenodes together to create the program. The nodes or icons may beconnected by lines representing data flow between the nodes, controlflow, or execution flow. Thus the block diagram may include a pluralityof interconnected icons such that the diagram created graphicallydisplays a procedure or method for accomplishing a certain result, suchas manipulating one or more input variables and/or producing one or moreoutput variables. In response to the user constructing a diagram orgraphical program using the block diagram editor, data structures and/orprogram instructions may be automatically constructed which characterizean execution procedure that corresponds to the displayed procedure. Thegraphical program may be compiled or interpreted by a computer.

A graphical program may have a graphical user interface. For example, increating a graphical program, a user may create a front panel or userinterface panel. The front panel may include various graphical userinterface elements or front panel objects, such as user interfacecontrols and/or indicators, that represent or display the respectiveinput and output that will be used by the graphical program, and mayinclude other icons which represent devices being controlled.

Thus, graphical programming has become a powerful tool available toprogrammers. Graphical programming environments such as the NationalInstruments LabVIEW product have become very popular. Tools such asLabVIEW have greatly increased the productivity of programmers, andincreasing numbers of programmers are using graphical programmingenvironments to develop their software applications. In particular,graphical programming tools are being used for test and measurement,data acquisition, process control, man machine interface (MMI),supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) applications, modeling,simulation, image processing/machine vision applications, and motioncontrol, among others.

Different graphical programming systems may use different models ofcomputation, e.g., different semantics, to specify or represent thefunctionality of the graphical programs. Examples of graphical programsemantics include homogenous data flow, heterogeneous data flow,synchronous data flow, timed synchronous data flow, state machine,cyclostatic data flow, and dynamic data flow, and various combinations,among others. However, current graphical programming systems generallyfacilitate the development of graphical programs or data flow diagramswith only a single model of computation or type of data flow semantics.

There are numerous applications where this restriction may limit theutility or applicability of the program. For example, in parallel withthe development of the graphical programming model, computer-basedsimulations are increasingly used in the design and testing of systems,e.g., control, automation, digital signal processing, communication,etc., systems. In many cases, different models of computation, e.g.,different data flow semantics may be suitable for different aspects ofthe system.

An exemplary graphical programming system that uses a homogenous dataflow model of computation is the standard LabVIEW graphical programmingsystem, provided by National Instruments Corporation, that includes the“G” graphical programming language, described above. LabVIEW isparticularly effective for test and measurement applications. However,in many applications, there is a need to include simulation with thetest and measurement functionality of the program. For example, in someapplications, users need to run simulation models and/or controllers aspart of their LabVIEW or LabVIEW Realtime applications. Technically, therunning of simulations involves the numerical solution of ordinarydifferential equations or difference equations (discrete analogs ofdifferential equations), both referred to herein as “differentialequations”, where the differential equations are specified in “controlblock diagram” notation, which is similar to G, consisting of nodesconnected by signals, but where some feedback cycles are allowed.

Currently LabVIEW users have the following alternatives to address thisissue: 1) interface to a model or controller written in a simulationsystem development environment, e.g., Mathwork's Simulink, through amodel-specific DLL, e.g., generated by Simulink Realtime Workshop; and2) write the simulation natively in G using special tools and featuresdirected at simulation, e.g., either the GSIM tookit or the “AdvancedControl” toolkit (which is the point by point version of GSIM.), both ofwhich are based on G (and provided by National Instruments Corporation).Note that in the following, the term “VI” (Virtual Instrument) refers toa graphical program node. Similarly, the term “subVI” refers to agraphical program node that encapsulates a group of graphical programnodes, i.e., that represents a sub-diagram within a larger diagram.

The current G-based implementation has several limitations, includingfor example, the following:

1. The breaking of wiring cycles is accomplished by using control/localpairs or shift registers on the top level diagram. In the case of shiftregisters, the resulting diagram does not look like a control blockdiagram. In either case, the user is exposed to a situation where thereare values from the current iteration as well as the previous iteration.The cosmetic problem could be alleviated by a “free range” shiftregister. The problem of data from two distinct iterations appearingsimultaneously on the diagram is problematic, however, and may bedifficult to solve.

2. The handling of hierarchies in the model nodes is problematic inGSIM. It can be shown that all feedback cycles must be broken on the toplevel diagram. This in turn implies that a subsystem that is written asa subVI cannot contain a feedback cycle. Elements of a complex modelthat would logically be encapsulated (e.g. the engine model is asubsystem of the whole-car model) therefore cannot be put into a subVI.

3. The implementation of certain types of ordinary differential equation(ODE) integrators is difficult or impossible in GSIM. Falling into thiscategory are implicit solvers, multi-stage methods, and adaptivestep-size methods. The problem in all of these cases is that theseintegration methods require the diagram specifying the differentialequation to be evaluated multiple times per single “time step” of thesolver. This introduces problems at source and sink nodes as well as innodes that have memory (e.g., a filter.)

Many applications, such as, for example, most modern signal processing,e.g., modern communications applications, speech and image recognitionsystems, etc., are multi-rate systems, where program elements mayexecute at different rates. One model of computation that is used fordesigning multi-rate systems is synchronous data flow (SDF), which iswell known to those skilled in the art. G, however, based on ahomogenous dynamic model of computation, is restricted to single-rateexecution, and thus there is currently no mechanism in LabVIEW toefficiently specify multi-rate systems. Users of such systems based on ahomogenous data flow model of computation may deal with this limitationby 1) using different sized arrays for the inputs and the outputs ofeach VI, which is cumbersome and an inefficient use of memory; or 2)using independent loops running at different rates communicating throughlocal or global variables, also tedious and cumbersome for the user.

Another aspect of different models of computation relates to scheduling,e.g., static compile-time scheduling vs. dynamic scheduling. In general,embedded digital signal processors (DSPs) have limited memory andprocessing power, and so the inclusion of a dynamic scheduler may not befeasible. However, the homogenous dynamic model of computation used by Gutilizes dynamic scheduling and so may require a dynamic scheduler,which may limit the utility or application of LabVIEW graphical programsin these and other platforms and applications.

Note that as used herein, the term “homogenous data flow” specificallyrefers to models of computation or data flow diagrams with a single rateof execution, i.e., where each element in the data flow diagram has thesame rate of execution, i.e., token production/consumption. Thus, anon-homogenous, or heterogeneous, data flow diagram refers to a dataflow diagram that supports multiple rates of execution, i.e., that usesa multi-rate or heterogeneous model of computation. In contrast, theterms “heterogeneous system” and “heterogeneous graphical program” referto the use of multiple models of computation in a single system orprogram.

Thus, it would be desirable to accommodate different models ofcomputation, e.g., different data flow semantics, in a single graphicalprogram.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of a system and method are presented for creating agraphical program that uses multiple models of computation, e.g., a dataflow diagram with multiple data flow semantics. Note that while the term“model of computation” is more general than “data flow semantic”, in adata flow application, i.e., where the graphical program is a data flowdiagram that only implements or represents data flow as opposed to alsoincluding other models of computation, such as state diagrams, controlflow, etc., the terms may be used synonymously. While the method belowis described in terms of a data flow diagram with multiple data flowsemantics, it should be noted that the method also generalizes tomultiple models of computation included in a single graphical program,the data flow embodiment described being but an example of the moregeneral approach.

A first plurality of graphical program elements may be assembled in adata flow diagram, e.g., a graphical program, in response to firstinput, where the assembled first plurality of graphical program elementshave first data flow semantics. In other words, the assembled firstplurality of graphical program elements may comprise a first portion ofthe data flow diagram in accordance with first data flow semantics. Forexample, the user may arrange on a display a plurality of nodes or iconsand then interconnect the nodes to create the data flow diagram. Inresponse to the user assembling the data flow diagram, data structuresmay be created and stored which represent the data flow diagram. Thedata flow diagram may thus comprise a plurality of interconnected nodesor icons which visually indicates the functionality of the data flowdiagram. Note that the data flow diagram may also be considered to be agraphical program, or a portion of a graphical program. As noted above,the data flow diagram (graphical program) may comprise a block diagramand may also include a user interface portion or front panel portion.Where the data flow diagram includes a user interface portion, the usermay optionally assemble the user interface on the display. As oneexample, the user may use the LabVIEW graphical programming developmentenvironment to create the data flow diagram or graphical program. In analternate embodiment, the data flow diagram may be created by the usercreating or specifying a prototype, followed by automatic orprogrammatic creation of the data flow diagram from the prototype, or inother manners, either by the user or programmatically, as desired.

In various embodiments, the first data flow semantics of the data flowdiagram may be any of a wide variety of different data flow semantics.For example, in a preferred embodiment, the first data flow semanticsmay specify a homogenous model of computation, as used in LabVIEW dataflow diagrams, e.g., the first data flow semantics may specify a singlerate execution of graphical program elements, e.g., such that eachgraphical program element or node executes with the same frequency. Inone embodiment, a graphical program that has a homogenous model ofcomputation necessarily supports parallelism, e.g., a graphical dataflow diagram where the diagram may support concurrent execution paths.

In another embodiment, the first data flow semantics may not includeexplicit feedback connections to implement looping. In other words, thefirst data flow semantics may specify iterative processing via animplicit feedback mechanism, such as enclosing the function nodes to beexecuted iteratively in a graphical loop structure, such as a LabVIEWwhile or for loop structure, rather than via direct or explicit feedbackloops between outputs and inputs of nodes. Thus, in one embodiment, thefirst data flow semantics may comprise graphical structure nodes thatspecify looping, wherein the graphical structure nodes do not includeexplicit feedback connections to implement looping. In one embodiment,the first data flow semantics may specify a single rate execution ofgraphical program elements, and may also not include explicit feedbackconnections to implement looping. In one embodiment, the first data flowsemantics may comprise graphical structure nodes that specifyconditional branching of operations. Note that in other embodiments, thenodes may be interconnected in control flow or execution flow formats,among other graphical programming formats.

A structure may then be displayed in the data flow diagram, e.g., inresponse to second input, where the structure indicates use of seconddata flow semantics for graphical program elements comprised within thestructure. In other words, a structure may be placed in the data flowdiagram that serves to demarcate between the first plurality ofgraphical program elements and the second plurality of graphical programelements. For example, in one embodiment, the structure may comprise aloop structure that is operable to enclose, surround, or otherwisevisually distinguish graphical program elements comprised in thestructure, e.g., from the first plurality of graphical program elementsof the data flow diagram. The structure preferably comprises an interiorportion, wherein graphical program elements may be assembled anddisplayed within the interior portion. In a preferred embodiment, theloop structure may be a LabVIEW loop structure, e.g., a for loop or awhile loop, as provided in the LabVIEW graphical programming system.Examples of the structure are described in more detail below.

A second plurality of graphical program elements may then be assembledwithin the structure in response to third input. For example, in oneembodiment the structure comprises a timed loop, and so the secondplurality of graphical program elements may be placed inside the loop.The assembled second plurality of graphical program elements maycomprise a second portion of the data flow diagram, in accordance withthe second data flow semantics. As described above, and is well known tothose skilled in the art of graphical programming techniques, inassembling the second plurality of graphical program elements in thestructure, the user may interconnect the graphical program elements tospecify and facilitate data flow between the elements, and may alsoconnect a plurality of the graphical program elements with or to thestructure.

In a preferred embodiment, the second data flow semantics specifies adifferent model of computation than the first data flow semantics, andthus the graphical program may represent a heterogeneous system, in thattwo different models of computation are included and supported in thegraphical program. For example, in one embodiment, the second data flowsemantics may support different syntax or formats, and/or a differentrate of execution, from that of the first plurality of graphical programelements, e.g., control block notation, explicit feedback, etc.,examples of which are described in more detail below. In anotherembodiment, the second data flow semantics may support multiple modes ofexecution among the graphical program elements (comprised in thestructure), e.g., multiple rates of execution, and thus may use orsupport a heterogeneous model of computation. As noted above, the methodof FIG. 5 is described in terms of data flow diagrams and data flowsemantics, although this description is just one example of the moregeneral case involving graphical programs and models of computation.

The resulting heterogeneous graphical program may be executable toperform a function, where the graphical program comprises a plurality ofinterconnected nodes that visually indicate functionality of the dataflow diagram. As noted above, in one embodiment, the graphical programmay comprise a data flow diagram. In a preferred embodiment, the dataflow diagram may be operable to perform the function by executing thefirst portion of the data flow diagram in accordance with the first dataflow semantics, and executing the second portion of the data flowdiagram in accordance with the second data flow semantics. In otherwords, in one embodiment, the assembled graphical program elements ofthe data flow diagram may execute in accordance with their respectivedata flow semantics. Thus, the data flow diagram may represent orimplement a heterogeneous system (i.e., supporting multiple data flowsemantics or models of computation). It should be noted that although inthe examples described herein only two different models of computation,e.g., data flow semantics, are utilized, in other embodiments, thenumber of different models of computation, e.g., data flow semanticssupported concurrently in the data flow diagram, may be greater. Notealso that in some embodiments, either or all of the two (or more) modelsof computation supported in the heterogeneous (multiple models ofcomputation) graphical program may be homogenous (single rate) orheterogeneous (multi-rate). It should be further noted that in otherembodiments, the graphical program may implement multiple models ofcomputation that may or may not include data flow, but rather, mayinclude any other models of computation as desired, including forexample, state diagram, control flow, resource flow, SDF, and so forth.

Note also that the function may be any type of function desired. Forexample, in one embodiment, the data flow diagram may be operable toperform an industrial automation function, a process control function,and/or a test and measurement function, among others. Any other type offunction may also be performed as desired, including, for example,functions related to analysis, e.g., data or image analysis,telecommunications, data or image processing, entertainment, science,medicine, and so forth.

Thus, the data flow diagram may optionally be executed to perform thefunction. In an embodiment where the data flow diagram includes agraphical user interface portion and a block diagram portion, duringexecution of the data flow diagram, the graphical user interface may bedisplayed on a display of a first computer system and the block diagrammay execute on a second computer system. In another embodiment, at leasta portion of the data flow diagram may be deployed to a programmablehardware element, e.g., an FPGA, and executed thereon. In other words,in one embodiment, at least a portion of the data flow diagram may beconverted into a form suitable for deployment on a programmable hardwareelement. The converted at least a portion of the data flow diagram maybe deployed onto the programmable hardware element, and the data flowdiagram executed, where the converted at least a portion of the dataflow diagram is executed on the programmable hardware element.

In one embodiment, executing the data flow diagram may includehighlighting each graphical program element in the data flow diagramwhile the graphical program element is executing. In other words, duringexecution of the data flow diagram, each graphical program element mayvisually indicate when it is executing, e.g., by changing color, orotherwise changing its appearance.

In one embodiment, executing the second portion of the data flow diagrammay include converting the second portion of the data flow diagram intographical program code in accordance with the first data flow semantics,then executing the converted second portion, i.e., the resultantgraphical program code, in accordance with the first data flowsemantics. In one embodiment, the converted second portion may comprisea companion data flow diagram coupled to the first portion of the dataflow diagram, where the companion data flow diagram executes in lieu of,or in conjunction with, the second portion of the data flow diagram. Inone embodiment, the execution highlighting may be performed with respectto the first portion, the second portion, and/or the companion diagram.In a preferred embodiment, the companion diagram may be executed in lieuof the second portion of the data flow diagram, and any results oreffects related to the companion diagram propagated back to thesimulation diagram, e.g., for the user to view. Note that in differentembodiments, the companion diagram may or may not be displayed to theuser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when thefollowing detailed description of the preferred embodiment is consideredin conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a computer system operable to execute a graphicalprogram according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates a network system comprising two or more computersystems that may implement an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates an instrumentation control system according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates an industrial automation system according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3A is a high level block diagram of an exemplary system which mayexecute or utilize graphical programs;

FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary system which may perform control and/orsimulation functions utilizing graphical programs;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary block diagram of the computer systems of FIGS.1A, 1B, 2A and 2B and 3B;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a methodfor creating a graphical program that includes multiple models ofcomputation;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a methodfor converting a data flow diagram with a second model of computation toa data flow diagram with a first model of computation;

FIGS. 7A and 7B respectively illustrate a data flow diagram prior to andafter the conversion of FIG. 6, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates a palette of simulation primitives, according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates an inheritance hierarchy for simulation node classes,according to one embodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates an information dialog for the generic simulationnode block state, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11 illustrates an information dialog for a subVI wrapper node,according to one embodiment;

FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of a configuration page informationdialog and a configuration page for an integrator block or node;

FIG. 13 illustrates an information dialog for a feed-through configsubVI class, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 14A illustrates an information dialog for a graph config subVIclass, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 14B illustrates an example node configuration dialog for the graphconfig subVI wrapper node of FIG. 14A, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 15A illustrates three different embodiments of a summer block ornode icon;

FIG. 15B illustrates an exemplary n-ary operation configuration dialog,according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate embodiments of a simple synchronous dataflow (SDF) diagram;

FIG. 17A illustrates several multi-rate actors for implementing amulti-rate system, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 17B illustrates one embodiment of a “multi-rate” palette forcreating an SDF diagram, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 18 illustrates an example SDF diagram created using some of theactors from the palette of FIG. 17B, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 19 illustrates one embodiment of a tool or dialog to facilitateparsing an SDF diagram, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 20 illustrates calculation of the repetitions vector for the SDFdiagram of FIG. 18, according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate a simple SDF diagram and correspondingLabVIEW diagram, according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 22 illustrates non-linked subsystems versus linked subsystems,according to one embodiment.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way ofexample in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should beunderstood, however, that the drawings and detailed description theretoare not intended to limit the invention to the particular formdisclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Incorporation byReference

The following references are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety as though fully and completely set forth herein:

-   U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/571,205 titled “Graphical    Data Flow Programming Environment with First Model of Computation    that Includes a Structure Supporting Second Model of Computation”,    filed May 14, 2004.-   U.S. Pat. No. 4,914,568 titled “Graphical System for Modeling a    Process and Associated Method,” issued on Apr. 3, 1990.-   U.S. Pat. No. 5,481,741 titled “Method and Apparatus for Providing    Attribute Nodes in a Graphical Data Flow Environment”.-   U.S. Pat. No. 6,219,628 titled “System and Method for Converting    Graphical Programs Into Hardware Implementations” filed Mar. 22,    2000.-   U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,438 titled “Embedded Graphical Programming    System” filed Aug. 18, 1997.-   U.S. Pat. No. 6,219,628 titled “System and Method for Configuring an    Instrument to Perform Measurement Functions Utilizing Conversion of    Graphical Programs into Hardware Implementations,” filed Aug. 18,    1997.-   U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20010020291 (Ser. No.    09/745,023) titled “System and Method for Programmatically    Generating a Graphical Program in Response to Program Information,”    filed Dec. 20, 2000.-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/742,510 titled “System and    Method for Programmatically Generating a Second Graphical Program    Based on a First Graphical Program”, filed Dec. 20, 2000.-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/094,198 titled “Self-Determining    Behavior Node For Use In Creating A Graphical Program”, filed Mar.    8, 2002.    Terms

The following is a glossary of terms used in the present application:

Memory Medium—Any of various types of memory devices or storage devices.The term “memory medium” is intended to include an installation medium,e.g., a CD-ROM, floppy disks 104, or tape device; a computer systemmemory or random access memory such as DRAM, DDR RAM, SRAM, EDO RAM,Rambus RAM, etc.; or a non-volatile memory such as a magnetic media,e.g., a hard drive, or optical storage. The memory medium may compriseother types of memory as well, or combinations thereof. In addition, thememory medium may be located in a first computer in which the programsare executed, or may be located in a second different computer whichconnects to the first computer over a network, such as the Internet. Inthe latter instance, the second computer may provide programinstructions to the first computer for execution. The term “memorymedium” may include two or more memory mediums which may reside indifferent locations, e.g., in different computers that are connectedover a network.

Carrier Medium—a memory medium as described above, as well as signalssuch as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via acommunication medium such as a bus, network and/or a wireless link.

Programmable Hardware Element—includes various types of programmablehardware, reconfigurable hardware, programmable logic, orfield-programmable devices (FPDs), such as one or more FPGAs (FieldProgrammable Gate Arrays), or one or more PLDs (Programmable LogicDevices), such as one or more Simple PLDs (SPLDs) or one or more ComplexPLDs (CPLDs), or other types of programmable hardware. A programmablehardware element may also be referred to as “reconfigurable logic”.

Medium—includes one or more of a memory medium, carrier medium, and/orprogrammable hardware element; encompasses various types of mediums thatcan either store program instructions/data structures or can beconfigured with a hardware configuration program.

Program—the term “program” is intended to have the full breadth of itsordinary meaning. The term “program” includes 1) a software programwhich may be stored in a memory and is executable by a processor or 2) ahardware configuration program useable for configuring a programmablehardware element.

Software Program—the term “software program” is intended to have thefull breadth of its ordinary meaning, and includes any type of programinstructions, code, script and/or data, or combinations thereof, thatmay be stored in a memory medium and executed by a processor. Exemplarysoftware programs include programs written in text-based programminglanguages, such as C, C++, Pascal, Fortran, Cobol, Java, assemblylanguage, etc.; graphical programs (programs written in graphicalprogramming languages); assembly language programs; programs that havebeen compiled to machine language; scripts; and other types ofexecutable software. A software program may comprise two or moresoftware programs that interoperate in some manner.

Hardware Configuration Program—a program, e.g., a netlist or bit file,that can be used to program or configure a programmable hardwareelement.

Graphical Program—A program comprising a plurality of interconnectednodes or icons, wherein the plurality of interconnected nodes or iconsvisually indicate functionality of the program.

The following provides examples of various aspects of graphicalprograms. The following examples and discussion are not intended tolimit the above definition of graphical program, but rather provideexamples of what the term “graphical program” encompasses:

The nodes in a graphical program may be connected in one or more of adata flow, control flow, and/or execution flow format. The nodes mayalso be connected in a “signal flow” format, which is a subset of dataflow.

Exemplary graphical program development environments which may be usedto create graphical programs include LabVIEW, DasyLab, DiaDem andMatrixx/SystemBuild from National Instruments, Simulink from theMathWorks, VEE from Agilent, WiT from Coreco, Vision Program Managerfrom PPT Vision, SoftWIRE from Measurement Computing, Sanscript fromNorthwoods Software, Khoros from Khoral Research, SnapMaster from HEMData, VisSim from Visual Solutions, ObjectBench by SES (Scientific andEngineering Software), and VisiDAQ from Advantech, among others.

The term “graphical program” includes models or block diagrams createdin graphical modeling environments, wherein the model or block diagramcomprises interconnected nodes or icons that visually indicate operationof the model or block diagram; exemplary graphical modeling environmentsinclude Simulink, SystemBuild, VisSim, Hypersignal Block Diagram, etc.

A graphical program may be represented in the memory of the computersystem as data structures and/or program instructions. The graphicalprogram, e.g., these data structures and/or program instructions, may becompiled or interpreted to produce machine language that accomplishesthe desired method or process as shown in the graphical program.

Input data to a graphical program may be received from any of varioussources, such as from a device, unit under test, a process beingmeasured or controlled, another computer program, a database, or from afile. Also, a user may input data to a graphical program or virtualinstrument using a graphical user interface, e.g., a front panel.

A graphical program may optionally have a GUI associated with thegraphical program. In this case, the plurality of interconnected nodesare often referred to as the block diagram portion of the graphicalprogram.

A graphical program that has a “homogenous model of computation” is agraphical program which is “single rate”, i.e., where the semantics mayspecify a single rate execution of graphical program elements. In otherwords, each of the graphical program elements in the graphical programpreferably has the same rate of execution, e.g., each element mayexecute the same number of times per execution of the graphical program,e.g., each element may produce and consume the same number of tokens perexecution.

Node—In the context of a graphical program, an element that may beincluded in a graphical program. A node may have an associated icon thatrepresents the node in the graphical program, as well as underlying codeor data that implements functionality of the node. Exemplary nodesinclude function nodes, terminal nodes, structure nodes, etc. Nodes maybe connected together in a graphical program by connection icons orwires.

Data Flow Graphical Program (or Data Flow Diagram)—A graphical programor diagram comprising a plurality of interconnected nodes, wherein theconnections between the nodes indicate that data produced by one node isused by another node.

Model of Computation—a formal description that includes a syntax andrules for computing behavior (semantics) described by the syntax; usedto specify the semantics of computation and concurrency. Examples ofmodels of computation include, data flow, control flow, state machine(e.g., finite state machine), actor, parallel random access machine,continuous time, spatial/temporal, synchronous/reactive, discrete event,cycle driven, synchronous message passing, asynchronous message passing,rendezvous, Turing machine, tagged signal, Petri nets, homogenous,heterogeneous, single rate, multi-rate, and combinations thereof, amongothers. Examples of different data flow models of computation includehomogenous data flow, heterogeneous data flow, synchronous data flow,timed synchronous data flow, cyclostatic data flow, and dynamic dataflow, among others. Some data flow models of computation may supportexplicit feedback loops, where, for example, output from a graphicalprogram element may be provide as input to the same element, eitherdirectly, or via one or more other elements.

For example, the “G” graphical programming language, used in theLabVIEW™ graphical program development environment provided by NationalInstruments Corporation, supports a homogeneous (i.e., single rate) dataflow model of computation that does not include explicit feedback loops.In contrast, Simulink™, provided by The MathWorks, Inc., supports aheterogeneous (multi-rate) data flow model of computation that includesexplicit feedback loops.

Graphical User Interface—this term is intended to have the full breadthof its ordinary meaning. The term “Graphical User Interface” is oftenabbreviated to “GUI”. A GUI may comprise only one or more input GUIelements, only one or more output GUI elements, or both input and outputGUI elements.

The following provides examples of various aspects of GUIs. Thefollowing examples and discussion are not intended to limit the ordinarymeaning of GUI, but rather provide examples of what the term “graphicaluser interface” encompasses:

A GUI may comprise a single window having one or more GUI Elements, ormay comprise a plurality of individual GUI Elements (or individualwindows each having one or more GUI Elements), wherein the individualGUI Elements or windows may optionally be tiled together.

A GUI may be associated with a graphical program. In this instance,various mechanisms may be used to connect GUI Elements in the GUI withnodes in the graphical program. For example, when Input Controls andOutput Indicators are created in the GUI, corresponding nodes (e.g.,terminals) may be automatically created in the graphical program orblock diagram. Alternatively, the user can place terminal nodes in theblock diagram which may cause the display of corresponding GUI Elementsfront panel objects in the GUI, either at edit time or later at runtime. As another example, the GUI may comprise GUI Elements embedded inthe block diagram portion of the graphical program.

Front Panel—A Graphical User Interface that includes input controls andoutput indicators, and which enables a user to interactively control ormanipulate the input being provided to a program, and view output of theprogram, while the program is executing.

A front panel is a type of GUI. A front panel may be associated with agraphical program as described above.

In an instrumentation application, the front panel can be analogized tothe front panel of an instrument. In an industrial automationapplication the front panel can be analogized to the MMI (Man MachineInterface) of a device. The user may adjust the controls on the frontpanel to affect the input and view the output on the respectiveindicators.

Graphical User Interface Element—an element of a graphical userinterface, such as for providing input or displaying output. Exemplarygraphical user interface elements comprise input controls and outputindicators

Input Control—a graphical user interface element for providing userinput to a program. Exemplary input controls comprise dials, knobs,sliders, input text boxes, etc.

Output Indicator—a graphical user interface element for displayingoutput from a program. Exemplary output indicators include charts,graphs, gauges, output text boxes, numeric displays, etc. An outputindicator is sometimes referred to as an “output control”.

Computer System—any of various types of computing or processing systems,including a personal computer system (PC), mainframe computer system,workstation, network appliance, Internet appliance, personal digitalassistant (PDA), television system, grid computing system, or otherdevice or combinations of devices. In general, the term “computersystem” can be broadly defined to encompass any device (or combinationof devices) having at least one processor that executes instructionsfrom a memory medium.

Measurement Device—includes instruments, data acquisition devices, smartsensors, and any of various types of devices that are operable toacquire and/or store data. A measurement device may also optionally befurther operable to analyze or process the acquired or stored data.Examples of a measurement device include an instrument, such as atraditional stand-alone “box” instrument, a computer-based instrument(instrument on a card) or external instrument, a data acquisition card,a device external to a computer that operates similarly to a dataacquisition card, a smart sensor, one or more DAQ or measurement cardsor modules in a chassis, an image acquisition device, such as an imageacquisition (or machine vision) card (also called a video capture board)or smart camera, a motion control device, a robot having machine vision,and other similar types of devices. Exemplary “stand-alone” instrumentsinclude oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal analyzers, arbitrary waveformgenerators, spectroscopes, and similar measurement, test, or automationinstruments.

A measurement device may be further operable to perform controlfunctions, e.g., in response to analysis of the acquired or stored data.For example, the measurement device may send a control signal to anexternal system, such as a motion control system or to a sensor, inresponse to particular data. A measurement device may also be operableto perform automation functions, i.e., may receive and analyze data, andissue automation control signals in response.

FIG. 1A—Computer System

FIG. 1A illustrates a computer system 82 operable to execute a graphicalprogram configured to accommodate or support multiple models ofcomputation, e.g., multiple data flow semantics. One embodiment of amethod for creating a graphical program operable to execute according tomultiple models of computation is described below.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the computer system 82 may include a display deviceoperable to display the graphical program as the graphical program iscreated and/or executed. The display device may also be operable todisplay a graphical user interface or front panel of the graphicalprogram during execution of the graphical program. The graphical userinterface may comprise any type of graphical user interface, e.g.,depending on the computing platform.

The computer system 82 may include a memory medium(s) on which one ormore computer programs or software components according to oneembodiment of the present invention may be stored. For example, thememory medium may store one or more graphical programs which areexecutable to perform the methods described herein. Also, the memorymedium may store a graphical programming development environmentapplication used to create and/or execute such graphical programs. Thememory medium may also store operating system software, as well as othersoftware for operation of the computer system. Various embodimentsfurther include receiving or storing instructions and/or dataimplemented in accordance with the foregoing description upon a carriermedium.

FIG. 1B—Computer Network

FIG. 1B illustrates a system including a first computer system 82 thatis coupled to a second computer system 90. The computer system 82 may beconnected through a network 84 (or a computer bus) to the secondcomputer system 90. The computer systems 82 and 90 may each be any ofvarious types, as desired. The network 84 can also be any of varioustypes, including a LAN (local area network), WAN (wide area network),the Internet, or an Intranet, among others. The computer systems 82 and90 may execute a graphical program in a distributed fashion. Forexample, computer 82 may execute a first portion of the block diagram ofa graphical program and computer system 90 may execute a second portionof the block diagram of the graphical program. As another example,computer 82 may display the graphical user interface of a graphicalprogram and computer system 90 may execute the block diagram of thegraphical program.

In one embodiment, the graphical user interface of the graphical programmay be displayed on a display device of the computer system 82, and theblock diagram may execute on a device 190 connected to the computersystem 82. The device 190 may include a programmable hardware elementand/or may include a processor and memory medium which may execute areal time operating system. In one embodiment, the graphical program maybe downloaded and executed on the device 190. For example, anapplication development environment with which the graphical program isassociated may provide support for downloading a graphical program forexecution on the device in a real time system.

Exemplary Systems

Embodiments of the present invention may be involved with performingtest and/or measurement functions; controlling and/or modelinginstrumentation or industrial automation hardware; modeling andsimulation functions, e.g., modeling or simulating a device or productbeing developed or tested, etc. Exemplary test applications where thegraphical program may be used include hardware-in-the-loop testing andrapid control prototyping, among others.

However, it is noted that the present invention can be used for aplethora of applications and is not limited to the above applications.In other words, applications discussed in the present description areexemplary only, and the present invention may be used in any of varioustypes of systems. Thus, the system and method of the present inventionis operable to be used in any of various types of applications,including the control of other types of devices such as multimediadevices, video devices, audio devices, telephony devices, Internetdevices, etc., as well as general purpose software applications such asword processing, spreadsheets, network control, network monitoring,financial applications, games, etc.

FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary instrumentation control system 100which may implement embodiments of the invention. The system 100comprises a host computer 82 which connects to one or more instruments.The host computer 82 may comprise a CPU, a display screen, memory, andone or more input devices such as a mouse or keyboard as shown. Thecomputer 82 may operate with the one or more instruments to analyze,measure or control a unit under test (UUT) or process 150.

The one or more instruments may include a GPIB instrument 112 andassociated GPIB interface card 122, a data acquisition board 114 andassociated signal conditioning circuitry 124, a VXI instrument 116, aPXI instrument 118, a video device or camera 132 and associated imageacquisition (or machine vision) card 134, a motion control device 136and associated motion control interface card 138, and/or one or morecomputer based instrument cards 142, among other types of devices. Thecomputer system may couple to and operate with one or more of theseinstruments. The instruments may be coupled to a unit under test (UUT)or process 150, or may be coupled to receive field signals, typicallygenerated by transducers. The system 100 may be used in a dataacquisition and control application, in a test and measurementapplication, an image processing or machine vision application, aprocess control application, a man-machine interface application, asimulation application, or a hardware-in-the-loop validationapplication, among others.

FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary industrial automation system 160 whichmay implement embodiments of the invention. The industrial automationsystem 160 is similar to the instrumentation or test and measurementsystem 100 shown in FIG. 2A. Elements which are similar or identical toelements in FIG. 2A have the same reference numerals for convenience.The system 160 may comprise a computer 82 which connects to one or moredevices or instruments. The computer 82 may comprise a CPU, a displayscreen, memory, and one or more input devices such as a mouse orkeyboard as shown. The computer 82 may operate with the one or moredevices to a process or device 150 to perform an automation function,such as MMI (Man Machine Interface), SCADA (Supervisory Control and DataAcquisition), portable or distributed data acquisition, process control,advanced analysis, or other control, among others.

The one or more devices may include a data acquisition board 114 andassociated signal conditioning circuitry 124, a PXI instrument 118, avideo device 132 and associated image acquisition card 134, a motioncontrol device 136 and associated motion control interface card 138, afieldbus device 170 and associated fieldbus interface card 172, a PLC(Programmable Logic Controller) 176, a serial instrument 182 andassociated serial interface card 184, or a distributed data acquisitionsystem, such as the Fieldpoint system available from NationalInstruments, among other types of devices.

FIG. 3A is a high level block diagram of an exemplary system which mayexecute or utilize graphical programs. FIG. 3A illustrates a generalhigh-level block diagram of a generic control and/or simulation systemwhich comprises a controller 92 and a plant 94. The controller 92represents a control system/algorithm the user may be trying to develop.The plant 94 represents the system the user may be trying to control.For example, if the user is designing an ECU for a car, the controller92 is the ECU and the plant 94 is the car's engine (and possibly othercomponents such as transmission, brakes, and so on.) As shown, a usermay create a graphical program that specifies or implements thefunctionality of one or both of the controller 92 and the plant 94. Forexample, a control engineer may use a modeling and simulation tool tocreate a model (graphical program) of the plant 94 and/or to create thealgorithm (graphical program) for the controller 92.

FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary system which may perform control and/orsimulation functions. As shown, the controller 92 may be implemented bya computer system 82 or other device (e.g., including a processor andmemory medium and/or including a programmable hardware element) thatexecutes or implements a graphical program. In a similar manner, theplant 94 may be implemented by a computer system or other device 144(e.g., including a processor and memory medium and/or including aprogrammable hardware element) that executes or implements a graphicalprogram, or may be implemented in or as a real physical system, e.g., acar engine.

In one embodiment of the invention, one or more graphical programs maybe created which are used in performing rapid control prototyping. RapidControl Prototyping (RCP) generally refers to the process by which auser develops a control algorithm and quickly executes that algorithm ona target controller connected to a real system. The user may develop thecontrol algorithm using a graphical program, and the graphical programmay execute on the controller 92, e.g., on a computer system or otherdevice. The computer system 82 may be a platform that supports real timeexecution, e.g., a device including a processor that executes a realtime operating system (RTOS), or a device including a programmablehardware element.

In one embodiment of the invention, one or more graphical programs maybe created which are used in performing Hardware in the Loop (HIL)simulation. Hardware in the Loop (HIL) refers to the execution of theplant model 94 in real time to test operation of a real controller 92.For example, once the controller 92 has been designed, it may beexpensive and complicated to actually test the controller 92 thoroughlyin a real plant, e.g., a real car. Thus, the plant model (implemented bya graphical program) is executed in real time to make the realcontroller 92 “believe” or operate as if it is connected to a realplant, e.g., a real engine.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3B above, one or more of thevarious devices may couple to each other over a network, such as theInternet. In one embodiment, the user operates to select a target devicefrom a plurality of possible target devices for programming orconfiguration using a graphical program. Thus the user may create agraphical program on a computer and use (execute) the graphical programon that computer or deploy the graphical program to a target device (forremote execution on the target device) that is remotely located from thecomputer and coupled to the computer through a network.

Graphical software programs which perform data acquisition, analysisand/or presentation, e.g., for measurement, instrumentation control,industrial automation, modeling, or simulation, such as in theapplications shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, may be referred to as virtualinstruments.

FIG. 4—Computer System Block Diagram

FIG. 4 is a block diagram representing one embodiment of the computersystem 82 and/or 90 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, or computer system82 shown in FIG. 2A or 2B. It is noted that any type of computer systemconfiguration or architecture can be used as desired, and FIG. 4illustrates a representative PC embodiment. It is also noted that thecomputer system may be a general purpose computer system, a computerimplemented on a card installed in a chassis, or other types ofembodiments. Elements of a computer not necessary to understand thepresent description have been omitted for simplicity.

The computer may include at least one central processing unit or CPU(processor) 160 which is coupled to a processor or host bus 162. The CPU160 may be any of various types, including an x86 processor, e.g., aPentium class, a PowerPC processor, a CPU from the SPARC family of RISCprocessors, as well as others. A memory medium, typically comprising RAMand referred to as main memory, 166 is coupled to the host bus 162 bymeans of memory controller 164. The main memory 166 may store thegraphical program operable to execute under multiple models ofcomputation, e.g., multiple data flow semantics. The main memory mayalso store operating system software, as well as other software foroperation of the computer system.

The host bus 162 may be coupled to an expansion or input/output bus 170by means of a bus controller 168 or bus bridge logic. The expansion bus170 may be the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) expansion bus,although other bus types can be used. The expansion bus 170 includesslots for various devices such as described above. The computer 82further comprises a video display subsystem 180 and hard drive 182coupled to the expansion bus 170.

As shown, a device 190 may also be connected to the computer. The device190 may include a processor and memory which may execute a real timeoperating system. The device 190 may also or instead comprise aprogrammable hardware element. The computer system may be operable todeploy a graphical program to the device 190 for execution of thegraphical program on the device 190. The deployed graphical program maytake the form of graphical program instructions or data structures thatdirectly represents the graphical program. Alternatively, the deployedgraphical program may take the form of text code (e.g., C code)generated from the graphical program. As another example, the deployedgraphical program may take the form of compiled code generated fromeither the graphical program or from text code that in turn wasgenerated from the graphical program.

FIG. 5—Flowchart of a Method for Creating a Graphical Program

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a method for creating a graphicalprogram that uses multiple models of computation, e.g., a data flowdiagram with multiple data flow semantics. Note that while the term“model of computation” is more general than “data flow semantic”, in adata flow application, i.e., where the graphical program is a data flowdiagram that only implements or represents data flow as opposed to alsoincluding other models of computation, such as state diagrams, controlflow, etc., the terms may be used synonymously. While the method of FIG.5 is described in terms of a data flow diagram with multiple data flowsemantics, it should be noted that the method also generalizes tomultiple models of computation included in a single graphical program,the data flow embodiment described being but an example of the moregeneral approach.

The method shown in FIG. 5 may be used in conjunction with any of thecomputer systems or devices shown in the above Figures, among otherdevices. In various embodiments, some of the step shown may be performedconcurrently, in a different order than shown, or may be omitted.Additional steps may also be performed as desired. As shown, this methodmay operate as follows.

In 502, a first plurality of graphical program elements may be assembledin a data flow diagram, e.g., a graphical program, in response to firstinput, where the assembled first plurality of graphical program elementshave first data flow semantics. In other words, the assembled firstplurality of graphical program elements may comprise a first portion ofthe data flow diagram in accordance with first data flow semantics. Forexample, the user may arrange on a display a plurality of nodes or iconsand then interconnect the nodes to create the data flow diagram. Inresponse to the user assembling the data flow diagram, data structuresmay be created and stored which represent the data flow diagram. Thedata flow diagram may thus comprise a plurality of interconnected nodesor icons which visually indicates the functionality of the data flowdiagram. Note that the data flow diagram may also be considered to be agraphical program, or a portion of a graphical program. As noted above,the data flow diagram (graphical program) may comprise a block diagramand may also include a user interface portion or front panel portion.Where the data flow diagram includes a user interface portion, the usermay optionally assemble the user interface on the display. As oneexample, the user may use the LabVIEW graphical programming developmentenvironment to create the data flow diagram or graphical program.

In an alternate embodiment, the data flow diagram may be created by theuser creating or specifying a prototype, followed by automatic orprogrammatic creation of the data flow diagram from the prototype. Thisfunctionality is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/587,682 titled “System and Method for Automatically Generating aGraphical Program to Perform an Image Processing Algorithm”, which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as though fully andcompletely set forth herein. The diagram or program may be created inother manners, either by the user or programmatically, as desired.

In various embodiments, the first data flow semantics of the data flowdiagram may be any of a wide variety of different data flow semantics.For example, in a preferred embodiment, the first data flow semanticsmay specify a homogenous model of computation, as used in LabVIEW dataflow diagrams. Said another way, in one embodiment, the first data flowsemantics may specify a single rate execution of graphical programelements, e.g., such that each graphical program element or nodeexecutes with the same frequency. In one embodiment, a graphical programthat has a homogenous model of computation necessarily supportsparallelism, e.g., a graphical data flow diagram where the diagram maysupport concurrent execution paths.

In another embodiment, the first data flow semantics may not includeexplicit feedback connections to implement looping. In other words, thefirst data flow semantics may specify iterative processing via animplicit feedback mechanism, such as enclosing the function nodes to beexecuted iteratively in a graphical loop structure, such as a LabVIEWwhile or for loop structure, rather than via direct or explicit feedbackloops between outputs and inputs of nodes. Thus, in one embodiment, thefirst data flow semantics may comprise graphical structure nodes thatspecify looping, wherein the graphical structure nodes do not includeexplicit feedback connections to implement looping.

In one embodiment, the first data flow semantics may specify a singlerate execution of graphical program elements, and may also not includeexplicit feedback connections to implement looping. In one embodiment,the first data flow semantics may comprise graphical structure nodesthat specify conditional branching of operations. Note that in otherembodiments, the nodes may be interconnected in control flow orexecution flow formats, among other graphical programming formats.

In 504, a structure may be displayed in the data flow diagram, e.g., inresponse to second input, where the structure indicates use of seconddata flow semantics for graphical program elements comprised within thestructure. In other words, a structure may be placed in the data flowdiagram that serves to demarcate between the first plurality ofgraphical program elements and the second plurality of graphical programelements. For example, in one embodiment, the structure may comprise aloop structure that is operable to enclose, surround, or otherwisevisually distinguish graphical program elements comprised in thestructure, e.g., from the first plurality of graphical program elementsof the data flow diagram. The structure preferably comprises an interiorportion, wherein graphical program elements may be assembled anddisplayed within the interior portion. In a preferred embodiment, theloop structure may be a LabVIEW loop structure, e.g., a for loop or awhile loop, as provided in the LabVIEW graphical programming system.Examples of the structure are described in more detail below.

In 506, a second plurality of graphical program elements may beassembled within the structure in response to third input. For example,in one embodiment the structure comprises a timed loop, and so thesecond plurality of graphical program elements may be placed inside theloop. The assembled second plurality of graphical program elements maycomprise a second portion of the data flow diagram, in accordance withthe second data flow semantics. As described above, and is well known tothose skilled in the art of graphical programming techniques, inassembling the second plurality of graphical program elements in thestructure, the user may interconnect the graphical program elements tospecify and facilitate data flow between the elements, and may alsoconnect a plurality of the graphical program elements with or to thestructure.

In a preferred embodiment, the second data flow semantics specifies adifferent model of computation than the first data flow semantics, andthus the graphical program may represent a heterogeneous system, in thattwo different models of computation are included and supported in thegraphical program. For example, in one embodiment, the second data flowsemantics may support different syntax or formats, and/or a differentrate of execution, from that of the first plurality of graphical programelements, e.g., control block notation, explicit feedback, etc.,examples of which are described in more detail below. In anotherembodiment, the second data flow semantics may support multiple modes ofexecution among the graphical program elements (comprised in thestructure), e.g., multiple rates of execution, and thus may use orsupport a heterogeneous model of computation. As noted above, the methodof FIG. 5 is described in terms of data flow diagrams and data flowsemantics, although this description is just one example of the moregeneral case involving graphical programs and models of computation.

The resulting heterogeneous graphical program may be executable toperform a function, where the graphical program comprises a plurality ofinterconnected nodes that visually indicate functionality of the dataflow diagram. As noted above, in one embodiment, the graphical programmay comprise a data flow diagram. In a preferred embodiment, the dataflow diagram may be operable to perform the function by executing thefirst portion of the data flow diagram in accordance with the first dataflow semantics, and executing the second portion of the data flowdiagram in accordance with the second data flow semantics. In otherwords, in one embodiment, the assembled graphical program elements ofthe data flow diagram may execute in accordance with their respectivedata flow semantics. Thus, the data flow diagram may represent orimplement a heterogeneous system (i.e., supporting multiple data flowsemantics or models of computation). It should be noted that although inthe examples described herein only two different models of computation,e.g., data flow semantics, are utilized, in other embodiments, thenumber of different models of computation, e.g., data flow semanticssupported concurrently in the data flow diagram, may be greater. Notealso that in some embodiments, either or all of the two (or more) modelsof computation supported in the heterogeneous (multiple models ofcomputation) graphical program may be homogenous (single rate) orheterogeneous (multi-rate). It should be further noted that in otherembodiments, the graphical program may implement multiple models ofcomputation that may or may not include data flow, but rather, mayinclude any other models of computation as desired, including forexample, state diagram, control flow, resource flow, SDF, and so forth.

Note also that the function may be any type of function desired. Forexample, in one embodiment, the data flow diagram may be operable toperform an industrial automation function, a process control function,and/or a test and measurement function, among others. Any other type offunction may also be performed as desired, including, for example,functions related to analysis, e.g., data or image analysis,telecommunications, data or image processing, entertainment, science,medicine, and so forth.

Thus, the data flow diagram may optionally be executed to perform thefunction, as indicated in 508. In an embodiment where the data flowdiagram includes a graphical user interface portion and a block diagramportion, during execution of the data flow diagram, the graphical userinterface may be displayed on a display of a first computer system andthe block diagram may execute on a second computer system. In anotherembodiment, at least a portion of the data flow diagram may be deployedto a programmable hardware element, e.g., an FPGA, and executed thereon.In other words, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the data flowdiagram may be converted into a form suitable for deployment on aprogrammable hardware element. The converted at least a portion of thedata flow diagram may be deployed onto the programmable hardwareelement, and the data flow diagram executed, where the converted atleast a portion of the data flow diagram is executed on the programmablehardware element.

In one embodiment, executing the data flow diagram may includehighlighting each graphical program element in the data flow diagramwhile the graphical program element is executing. In other words, duringexecution of the data flow diagram, each graphical program element mayvisually indicate when it is executing, e.g., by changing color, orotherwise changing its appearance.

In one embodiment, executing the second portion of the data flow diagrammay include converting the second portion of the data flow diagram intographical program code in accordance with the first data flow semantics,then executing the converted second portion, i.e., the resultantgraphical program code, in accordance with the first data flowsemantics. In one embodiment, the converted second portion may comprisea companion data flow diagram coupled to the first portion of the dataflow diagram, where the companion data flow diagram executes in lieu of,or in conjunction with, the second portion of the data flow diagram. Inone embodiment, the execution highlighting may be performed with respectto the first portion, the second portion, and/or the companion diagram.In a preferred embodiment, the companion diagram may be executed in lieuof the second portion of the data flow diagram, and any results oreffects related to the companion diagram propagated back to thesimulation diagram, e.g., for the user to view. Note that in differentembodiments, the companion diagram may or may not be displayed to theuser.

FIG. 6—Conversion from First Data Flow Semantics to Second Data FlowSemantics

FIG. 6 is a high level flowchart diagram of a method for creating andexecuting a graphical program, including a first portion with a firstmodel of computation, e.g., a first data flow diagram having first dataflow semantics, and a second portion with a second model of computation,e.g., a second data flow diagram having second data flow semantics. Asnoted above with reference to FIG. 5, while the method of FIG. 6 isdescribed in terms of converting a second plurality of graphical programelements with second data flow semantics to a third plurality ofgraphical program elements with first data flow semantics, the methodgeneralizes to conversion of a second plurality of graphical programelements with a second model of computation to a third plurality ofgraphical program elements with a first model of computation. In otherwords, the data flow embodiment described is but an example of the moregeneral approach where a graphical program portion implementing a secondmodel of computation is converted to a graphical program portionimplementing a first model of computation. Similarly, the techniquesdescribed herein may also be used to convert a second graphical programor data flow diagram with a second model of computation to a firstgraphical program or data flow diagram with a first model ofcomputation.

In various embodiments, some of the steps described may be performedconcurrently, in a different order than shown, or omitted. Additionalsteps may also be performed as desired.

As FIG. 6 shows, in 602, a first plurality of graphical program elementsmay be assembled in a graphical program in response to first input,where the assembled first plurality of graphical program elements are inaccordance with a first data flow semantics, or, more generally, have afirst model of computation. In a preferred embodiment, the first modelof computation specifies a homogenous data flow model of computation,such as the “G” graphical programming language provided by NationalInstruments Corporation.

In 604, a structure may be displayed in the graphical program, where thestructure comprises an interior portion, and where the structureindicates use of a second data flow semantics (or model of computation)for graphical program elements comprised within the interior portion ofthe structure.

In 606, a second plurality of graphical program elements may beassembled within the interior portion of the structure in response tosecond input, wherein the assembled second plurality of graphicalprogram elements included within the interior portion of the structureare in accordance with the second data flow semantics (or the secondmodel of computation).

In 608, the assembled second plurality of graphical program elements maybe converted into a new third plurality of graphical program elements inaccordance with the first data flow semantics (or the first model ofcomputation).

FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an example data flowdiagram that uses second data flow semantics, in this case, a simulationdiagram or simulation node. For example, in the embodiment shown, a userhas presumably created the simulation diagram by dragging and droppingselected simulation nodes or primitives onto a block diagram, or by anyother means available. Note that this example simulation node or diagramincludes an iterative portion, i.e., a “negatizer” and an integrator,which execute at a first rate, and a graphing node that executes at asecond, different, rate. Thus, the simulation diagram is a heterogeneousdata flow diagram. An exemplary conversion of this diagram (i.e., aconverted graphical program) is described below with reference to FIG.7B.

Thus, during compilation, the assembled second plurality of graphicalprogram elements (which operate in accordance with the second data flowsemantics) may be converted or translated to (assembled) graphicalprogram elements that operate in accordance with the first data flowsemantics, thereby producing the third plurality of graphical programelements. Thus, the first data flow semantics (or model of computation)may be considered a “basis” data flow semantics or model of computation,in that it may serve as an implementation layer for the second data flowsemantics or model of computation.

As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the first data flow semanticsspecifies a homogenous model of computation. For example, the first dataflow semantics may specify a single rate execution of graphical programelements. In other words, each of the graphical program elements in thefirst plurality of graphical program elements preferably has the samerate of execution, e.g., each element may execute the same number oftimes per execution of the graphical program, i.e., each element mayproduce and consume the same number of tokens per execution.

In one embodiment, the first data flow semantics does not includeexplicit feedback connections to implement looping. In other words, thefirst data flow semantics may not implement iterative execution viadirect feedback from a node's (or a group of nodes') output to thenode's (or the group of nodes') input. In another embodiment, the firstdata flow semantics may specify a single rate execution of graphicalprogram elements, and may also not include explicit feedback connectionsto implement looping.

In one embodiment, the first data flow semantics may include graphicalstructure nodes that specify looping, where the graphical structurenodes do not include explicit feedback connections to implement looping.Similarly, the first data flow semantics may include graphical structurenodes that specify conditional branching of operations. One example of agraphical programming system with the above features (e.g., with thefirst data flow semantics) is the LabVIEW graphical programming system.

In one embodiment, the second plurality of graphical program elementsmay be converted to the third plurality of graphical program elements inthe following manner:

First, the second plurality of graphical program elements may be parsedto determine a plurality of primitives, where the plurality ofprimitives operate according to the second data flow semantics.

The third plurality of graphical program elements may then be determinedbased on the plurality of primitives, where the third plurality ofgraphical program elements operate according to the first data flowsemantics. Then, the determined third plurality of graphical programelements may be assembled in accordance with the first data flowsemantics.

In one embodiment, assembling the determined third plurality ofgraphical program elements may include interconnecting the thirdplurality of graphical program elements according to an executionpartial order based on a topological analysis of the second plurality ofgraphical program elements and/or the graphical program (e.g., includingthe first plurality of graphical program elements). In other words, thedata flow dependencies among the graphical program elements of one orboth of the first and second pluralities of graphical program elementsmay be analyzed to determine the appropriate connections to make amongthe elements of the third plurality of graphical program elements.

In another embodiment, assembling the determined third plurality ofgraphical program elements may include enclosing the determined thirdplurality of graphical program elements in a first loop structure inaccordance with the first data flow semantics. For example, as describedabove, the determined third plurality of graphical program elements maybe enclosed within a loop structure, such as a while or for loopstructure, where the loop structure may facilitate or implementiterative execution of the enclosed graphical program elements.

In some embodiments, the graphical program may be compiled. For example,in one embodiment, compiling the graphical program may include theconverting described above. The compiling and/or converting may beperformed in response to user input, or may be performed automatically.For example, user input may be received, e.g., selecting a menu item oractivating a control, invoking the conversion (and/or compilation),where the converting (and/or compiling) is performed in response to theuser input. In some embodiments, the converting and/or compiling may beperformed in response to another action. For example, when the usersaves the program, the conversion and/or compilation may be performedautomatically. Alternatively, the conversion and/or compilation mayoccur automatically when the user invokes execution of the program. Infurther embodiments, the converting may be performed separate from thecompiling, e.g., prior to compiling the program, and may be performedautomatically, or in response to user input.

In one embodiment, the conversion may be dependent upon the targetplatform for the program. In other words, a target platform for theprogram may be specified, e.g., by the user, and the second plurality ofgraphical program elements may be converted to the third plurality ofgraphical program elements based on the specified target platform. Forexample, if the target platform specified were a programmable hardwareelement, such as an FPGA, some or all of the third graphical programelements may be created or selected specifically for deployment on theFPGA. Thus, at least a subset of the third plurality of graphicalprogram elements may be specific to the specified target platform.

FIG. 7B illustrates an exemplary data flow diagram (graphical program)that results from conversion of the simulation diagram or node (orgraphical program) of FIG. 7A to a data flow diagram in accordance withthe first data flow semantics, e.g., a homogenous model of computation,according to one embodiment. As FIG. 7B shows, additional graphicalprogram elements, including nested while loops, have been included toimplement the multi-rate aspects of the simulation diagram/node. Thus,while the data flow diagram of FIG. 7B executes strictly in accordancewith the first data flow semantics, e.g., a homogenous model ofcomputation, it actually implements the simulation diagram or node ofFIG. 7A, and thereby implements the second data flow semantics, but at ahigher level. In other words, the first data flow semantics (or model ofcomputation) serves as a basis (e.g., a basis model of computation) thatmay be used to implement the second data flow semantics (or model ofcomputation).

Thus, the second plurality of graphical program elements may beconverted to the third plurality of graphical program elements. In otherwords, the assembled third graphical program elements (in accordancewith the first data flow semantics) may be determined based on theassembled second graphical program elements (in accordance with thesecond data flow semantics). It should be noted that in otherembodiments, the second data flow semantics or model of computation maybe used as the basis, and the portion of the graphical program that usesthe first data flow semantics or model of computation may be convertedto the second data flow semantics or model of computation. Thus, thegraphical program may include a first portion comprising the firstplurality of graphical program elements, and a second portion comprisingthe second plurality of graphical program elements, where the secondportion may be converted to generate the third plurality of graphicalprogram elements.

Alternatively, in yet another embodiment, a third data flow semantics ormodel of computation may be used as the basis, and both the firstportion and the second portion may be converted to the third data flowsemantics or model of computation. As mentioned above, this approach maybe extended to any number of data flow semantics or models ofcomputation, as desired.

Further details of the conversion process for different second data flowsemantics (or more generally, for different models of computation) aredescribed below in detail.

In a preferred embodiment, the graphical program comprises a firstportion and a second portion, where the second portion is in accordancewith the second data flow semantics, and where the first portion is inaccordance with the first data flow semantics. In other words, thegraphical program may comprise a heterogeneous graphical program thatincludes portions in accordance with the first and second data flowsemantics, respectively, such as the graphical program or data flowdiagram described above with reference to the method of FIG. 5. Thus,the conversion process described above may be performed on only thatportion of the graphical program that has the second data flowsemantics.

The graphical program preferably comprises a plurality of interconnectednodes that visually indicate functionality of the graphical program. Inone embodiment, the graphical program comprises a block diagram portionand a user interface portion, as described above with respect tographical programs. In one embodiment, during execution of the graphicalprogram, the graphical user interface is displayed on a display of afirst computer system and the block diagram executes on a secondcomputer system.

The graphical program may operate to perform any type of functiondesired. For example, the graphical program may be operable to performone or more of: an industrial automation function, a process controlfunction, and a test and measurement function, among others. The methodsdescribed herein may thus include executing the graphical program toperform a function. As also described above, in one embodiment,executing the graphical program may include highlighting each graphicalprogram element in the graphical program while the graphical programelement is executing.

As described above, in one embodiment, the third plurality of graphicalprogram elements may comprise a companion diagram in accordance with thefirst data flow semantics and may correspond to the second portion ofthe graphical program, i.e., the second plurality of graphical programelements. Thus, executing the second portion of the graphical programmay comprise executing the companion diagram. Note that, as alsomentioned above, in one embodiment, the companion diagram may beexecuted in lieu of the second portion of the graphical program.However, from the user's perspective, it may appear that the secondportion of the data flow diagram is executing. For example, thecompanion diagram may not be displayed to the user, but may execute inthe background, providing results of the companion diagram execution tothe graphical program such that the second portion appears to the userto be executing.

In another embodiment, the companion diagram may be displayed, e.g.,along with the second portion of the graphical program. For example, inan embodiment where execution highlighting is supported, as thegraphical program elements in the companion diagram execute, not onlymay those elements be highlighted, but the corresponding graphicalprogram elements in the second portion of the graphical program may behighlighted as well.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the graphical program may beconverted into a form suitable for deployment on a programmable hardwareelement. The converted at least a portion of the graphical program maythen be deployed onto the programmable hardware element. The graphicalprogram may then be executed, including executing the converted at leasta portion of the graphical program on the programmable hardware element.Note that the descriptions herein of the first, second, and graphicalprograms also applies to the more general case of first, second, andthird graphical programs, with first and second models of computation.

Describing the above in a slightly different way, and in terms of themore general method, creating a first graphical program having a firstmodel of computation based on a second graphical program having a secondmodel of computation may include storing the second graphical program,where the second graphical program includes a first portion having firstmodel of computation, comprising a first plurality of graphical programelements, and a second portion having second model of computation,comprising a second plurality of graphical program elements enclosed ina loop structure, also in accordance with the second model ofcomputation. The second portion of the second graphical program may beconverted into a third graphical program having first model ofcomputation, where the third graphical program is coupled to the firstportion of the second graphical program, where the first portion of thesecond graphical program and the third graphical program comprise thefirst graphical program.

Examples of Data Flow Diagrams with Multiple Data Flow Semantics

As noted above, there is a wide variety of different models ofcomputation, e.g., data flow semantics, that may be used in graphicalprogramming. In the examples below, the first model of computation isassumed to be that of the LabVIEW graphical programming system, i.e.,the homogenous dynamic model of computation utilized by the Gprogramming language provided by National Instruments. It should benoted, however, that this is but one exemplary case, and that any othermodels of computation may be used as desired. Similarly, the examplesecond models of computation described below are also meant to beexemplary only, and are not intended to limit the second models ofcomputation to any particular type. For example, in other embodiments,the second model of computation may comprise data flow semantics, andmay include cyclostatic data flow, parameterized data flow, or othertypes of data flow semantics. Other examples of diagrams contemplatedfor inclusion or conversion include Bondi graphs, resource flowdiagrams, control block diagrams, state machines, resource flow, andcontrol flow diagrams, among others.

Example: Simulation Diagram

One area of application for graphical programming that benefitssubstantially from non-homogenous models of computation or data flowsemantics is simulation, which as noted above, is used increasingly intest, design, and control applications. In simulations implemented withgraphical programs, graphical program elements often representrespective components and/or sub-processes of a system or process. Thegraphical program elements, also referred to as nodes, may require or atleast substantially benefit from features or behaviors not supported bysome graphical programming systems. For example, as noted above, thestandard LabVIEW development environment (including the G graphicalprogramming language) does not support multiple rates of execution amongthe program nodes, having a homogenous model of computation.

However, in many simulations, different components or processes may havedifferent frequencies of operation, and so the nodes representing thesecomponents or processes may need to fire or execute at different rates.In some applications, both models of computation may be needed, such as,for example, in a control application that includes a simulation of theprocess or system being controlled. In this example, a homogenousdynamic model of computation (or data flow semantics, such as with Ggraphical program code) may be used to implement control functionality,while a heterogeneous or multi-rate model (such as with simulationnodes) may be used to implement the simulation portion of theapplication.

As noted above, in one embodiment, the second model of computation maycomprise second data flow semantics that support a multi-rate executionof graphical program elements, and may further include explicit feedbackconnections to implement looping. In one embodiment, the secondplurality of graphical program elements may comprise a control blockdiagram utilizing control block notation, as is well known in the art ofgraphical programming.

In one embodiment, the second plurality of graphical program elementsmay comprise a simulation diagram, where at least a subset of the secondplurality of graphical program elements comprise simulation nodes, andwhere the simulation diagram implements a simulation.

For example, in one embodiment, the simulation diagram may allow aLabVIEW user to embed “control block diagram” notation directly into aLabVIEW graphical program or data flow diagram. The simulation diagrammay graphically depict a relationship between outputs and inputs ofgraphical program elements that are evaluated at each time-step of thesimulation. Thus each complete evaluation of the simulation diagrampreferably corresponds to one time step. Since the simulation diagramhas different data flow semantics or rules than a LabVIEW diagram, thesimulation diagram may be given a distinctly different look, e.g. a“watermark” background, to further distinguish from standard LabVIEWdiagrams.

The simulation diagram may utilize a set of semantics and executionproperties that differ from an ordinary LabVIEW data flow diagram. Inone embodiment, key differences between simulation diagrams and LabVIEWdiagrams may include one or more of the following:

1. Feed-through information—A node in a simulation diagram may requireonly a subset of its inputs in order to compute any given output. Theset of inputs required to compute a given output are said to feed thatoutput directly, or to have “direct feed-through” to the output. Inputsnot required to compute the output have “indirect feed-through”. Saidanother way, direct feed-through refers to a property of a graphicalprogram element where all of the inputs to the graphical program elementmust be present or valid for the graphical program element to fire orexecute, whether or not each of the outputs for the graphical programelement requires all of the inputs. In contrast, indirect feed-throughrefers to a property where the graphical program element generates anoutput as soon as the inputs needed for that output are present.

The semantics for the simulation diagram may specify that a node mustfire any given output as soon as it has received the inputs that havedirect feed-through to the output. (Note that this is a key differencefrom the LabVIEW diagram, which specifies that all inputs must bereceived before any output may be fired) Thus, it may be necessary forthe simulation diagram to have access to feed-through information foreach node. Although existing node types in LabVIEW may retain theirexisting behavior when placed in a simulation diagram (i.e. that allinputs have direct feed-through to all outputs), the simulation diagrammay preferably recognize various simulation primitives and simulationsubsystems that may have indirect feed-through from inputs to outputs.

Thus, in one embodiment, the simulation nodes may support directfeed-through and indirect feed-through for inputs and outputs of thesimulation nodes. In other words, in one embodiment, at least one of thesimulation nodes may comprise a plurality of inputs and a plurality ofoutputs, where a first output of the plurality of outputs requires onlya subset of the plurality of inputs, and where the least one of thesimulation nodes is operable to fire upon reception of the subset of theplurality of inputs to generate the first output.

In one embodiment, a feed-through mapping of inputs to outputs for thesimulation nodes may be computed and stored. The computed feed-throughmapping may be useful in converting graphical code with one data flowsemantics to graphical code with another data flow semantics, describedin detail below.

2. Feedback cycles—Cycles may be allowed between outputs and inputs of anode in the simulation diagram that do not feed directly to each other.Thus, in one embodiment, at least one of the simulation nodes maysupport a feedback cycle between an output of the simulation node and aninput of the simulation node, e.g., an explicit feedback loop. Forexample, in one embodiment, at least one simulation node of thesimulation nodes may support a feedback cycle between an output of thesimulation node and an input of the simulation node if the input of thesimulation node has indirect feed-through to the output of thesimulation node, and/or if the input of the simulation node correspondsto a different iteration than the output of the simulation node. Inother words, in this embodiment, an explicit feedback loop from theoutput to the input of the node may be supported as long as the input isnot directly required by the output, and/or as long as the input and theoutput are not for the same iteration.

3. Multiple executions of nodes—Depending upon the solver specified fora simulation diagram, each node instance on the diagram may in fact beexecuted more than once for each execution of the diagram. In otherwords, in one embodiment, at least one of the simulation nodes mayexecute two or more times per execution of the simulation diagram. Thus,as noted above, the simulation diagram may support multi-rate executionamong the simulation nodes. In one embodiment, in order to ensure that anode instance is executed only once per diagram execution, users mayspecify “lock and hold” behavior for that node. Note, however, that somenodes, such as DAQ I/O, may default to this behavior.

4. Placement of Simulation diagrams—In one embodiment, simulationdiagrams may exist only as a root-level diagram of a simulation loop ora simulation subsystem (both described below).

In one embodiment, one or more simulation parameters for the simulationdiagram may be configured and stored, where the configured one or moresimulation parameters specify operation of the simulation diagram. Inother words, the one or more simulation parameters may determine thebehavior of the simulation diagram subject to constraints imposed by thesecond data flow semantics.

In one embodiment, one or more of the simulation nodes may comprisesimulation primitives, i.e., simulation nodes that do not represent asub-simulation diagram. Simulation primitives may preferably only beplaced in a simulation diagram, and may have indirect feed-throughproperties as mentioned above. Key differences between simulationprimitives and standard LabVIEW primitives may include:

1. Diagram placement—Simulation primitives may only be placed in asimulation diagram, while LabVIEW primitives may be used in standardLabVIEW block diagrams, and in some cases may be used in a simulationdiagram.

2. Execution—A simulation primitive node may execute and outputs canfire before all inputs are received.

3. Cycles—Cycles may be allowed between non-direct feed-throughterminals on a simulation primitive.

Note that in control block diagrams, the graphical program elements ornodes may be referred to as “blocks”. In one embodiment, the simulationprimitives may comprise a diverse control block diagram blockset, andmay incorporate a number of features that are beyond the capabilities ofstandard LabVIEW subVIs. For example, some simulation blocks (e.g., anintegrator block) may have inputs that do not directly feed outputs.Examples of blocks include integrators, transfer functions, look-uptables, and gain blocks, among others.

Some of the extended abilities that may be supported by simulationprimitives may include one or more of configuration pages, dynamicicons, growing icons, N-ary operations, numeric polymorphism (e.g., bothin terms of data type and/or dimensionality), custom pop-up menucommands, reversed block orientation, and terminal feed-throughmappings, among others.

Although simulation primitives are generally “atomic”, in that they donot represent a sub-simulation diagram, objects that access hiddensimulation data may also be considered fundamental objects, and may betreated specially. For example, these objects may appear to the user as“primitives”, and users may not be able to view the implementationdirectly from the simulation diagram, although in some embodiments, foradvanced users the scripted (programmatically generated) code behind theobjects may be made viewable.

Simulation primitives preferably map directly to a block or node in thecompanion diagram, and so in one embodiment, the amount of feed-throughon any given input may be implemented via a shift register bufferingthat input. Importantly, this may restrict feed-through on simulationprimitives to a simple on/off choice, i.e., either an input directlyfeeds all of the outputs, or it feeds none of them. Any block or nodewhose feed-through profile is more complicated may be implemented as asimulation subsystem rather than a primitive. Further informationregarding simulation subsystems is provided below.

Note that since simulation primitives need to access simulation dataavailable only in a simulation diagram, they preferably may not bedropped onto a regular LabVIEW diagram, and so may be visuallydistinguishable from regular LabVIEW elements, e.g., via color, shape,label, etc.

In one embodiment, the simulation primitives may be based on LabVIEWexternal nodes. The external node is a LabVIEW node for which run-timeand edit-time behavior is defined using G code. Edit-time behaviors suchas node appearance/size, pop-up menus, double-click actions, andterminal type specifications may be specified for each node. Inaddition, the run-time behavior of the node may be specified, e.g.,using VI scripting for code generation. By leveraging the features ofthe external node, the extended functionality may be implementedprimarily in G. For further information regarding external nodes, pleasesee U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/094,198 titled “Self-DeterminingBehavior Node For Use In Creating A Graphical Program”, filed Mar. 8,2002, which was incorporated by reference above.

FIGS. 8-15B—Simulation Nodes

In one embodiment, a generic simulation node may be used as a templatefor simulation nodes. In other words, the simulation nodes may inherittheir basic functionality from the generic simulation node. Theinterface of the governing program may be fixed across nodes, such thatany simulation node may be defined purely in terms of its methods orfunctions and its block state. Thus, each derived node may comprise agoverning program as well as a set of methods or functions and a blockstate control, e.g., in an .llb file, as described above. In oneembodiment, a scripting based tool may be provided for “deriving” a nodefrom another node.

FIG. 8—Palettes

In one embodiment, simulation primitives may be presented to the user(e.g., for selection) in a palette, e.g., in a simulation primitivespalette. For example, in one embodiment, the simulation primitivespalette may be a hierarchical palette, where one or more of the elementsin the palette represent further palettes (e.g., sub-palettes), and soforth, such as illustrated in FIG. 8. Note that the palettes shown inFIG. 8 are meant to be exemplary only, and are not intended to limit thepalettes or elements to any particular appearance or functionality.

As FIG. 8 shows, a top level palette may include a plurality of elementsor icons selectable by the user, e.g., in the case of a simulationprimitive, for inclusion in a simulation diagram, or, in the case of asub-palette icon, for invoking display of a corresponding sub-palette.In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the top-left icon in the top level paletterepresents a simulation loop structure that may be selected and “draggedand dropped” onto a data flow diagram (i.e., a graphical program, suchas a LabVIEW block diagram) to indicate (e.g., by enclosing) use ofsecond data flow semantics for graphical program elements comprisedwithin the structure, as described above with reference to FIG. 5.

The remaining icons shown in the top level palette represent respectivesub-palettes of simulation nodes, e.g., simulation primitives, which maybe selected by the user for inclusion within the simulation loopstructure. For example, as FIG. 8 indicates, sub-palettes may beprovides for continuous linear simulation nodes (i.e., blocks),non-linear simulation nodes, discrete simulation nodes, signalgeneration simulation nodes, signal arithmetic simulation nodes, andloop-up tables, among others. Thus, the various simulation nodes orblocks displayed in the simulation palettes may be included within thesimulation loop structure in the data flow diagram to implement acontrol block diagram or simulation diagram within the data flowdiagram, where, as described above, the simulation diagram operatesaccording to the second data flow semantics.

In a preferred embodiment, the simulation nodes may appear as primitivesto the user, and may operate according to the second data flowsemantics. However, graphical program elements in the companion diagramthat correspond to the simulation nodes may implement this behavior(e.g., the second data flow semantics) using the first data flowsemantics. For example, inputs of a node in the companion diagram thatdo not directly feed the outputs of the node may be “buffered” by ashift register, e.g., the input signal may be sent to a right shiftregister, and the corresponding left shift register may actually feedthe input on the node. In this way, from the viewpoint of the user, thesimulation node may be allowed to fire even if the input signal has notyet fired. As another example, many of the simulation nodes or blocksmay expose special simulation data terminals which may be displayed onlyon the companion diagram and wired to during the scripting process,described in more detail below. Thus, additional graphical programelements or structures may be included in the companion diagram tofacilitate the correct behavior (as perceived by the user) in thesimulation diagram.

As noted above, in one embodiment, a generic simulation node frameworkmay be implemented based on the external node described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/094,198, incorporated by reference above. Thisframework may comprise a top-level governing program and a set offunctions that implement the edit time behaviors of the node (e.g., inan .llb file). In other words, additional program code may be providedto ensure that simulation nodes operate in accordance with the seconddata flow semantics. The framework may also include a control, e.g., aBlockState control, which may maintain information about the currentstate of the node as well as a global variable containing the node'sdefault initial block state. The following is a list of exemplarybehaviors that may be implemented in or by the functions:

Init—When the node is first dropped, set the node's block state to adefault value and allocate any resources that might be needed.

Draw—Draw the node's icon and determine its bounds

TermSpec—Generate a terminal specification for the node

SetMenu—Generate a list of bdpopup menu items that will be availablewhen the node is right-clicked

DoMenu—Change the node's block state based on a selection of one of thenode's bdpopup commands

ConfigPage—Display a configuration page that will allow user to modifyparameters of the node and update the node's state accordingly

PropType—Update the node's state based upon the types wired to itsterminals

Feed-through—Given a term index, return a list of terminals that thisterm directly feeds

Grow—Update the nodes block state based on a grow event

Color—Update the nodes block state based on a “color” tool click

GetColor—Return a color based on an “eyedropper” click

It should be noted that the above behaviors or methods are exemplaryonly, and are not intended to limit the methods or functionality of thesimulation nodes to any particular set of functions.

BlockState Inheritance

In one embodiment, any derived node (e.g., VI) may use a block statethat is a superset of the block state of its parent node. The contentsof the block state may contain one variant attribute per class in thenode's inheritance chain with each attribute matching the private memberdata associated with one particular class.

Method Inheritance

In one embodiment, a derived node may either directly call into itsparent node's functions, or it may override behaviors with its ownimplementations. The overridden functions may in turn call back into theparent functions as well as perform some additional work. This may benecessary in any case where a child node extends the behavior of aparent rather than overriding it.

In one embodiment, the simulation nodes may be conceptually equivalentto fixed-interface classes whose member variables are encapsulated bythe BlockState and whose member methods are specified by function callsthat are either specific to the node or inherited from a parent.Inherited methods may make super calls to extend the parent methodrather than overriding it. Using this concept of inheritance, ahierarchy of classes of nodes may be created from which simulationprimitives may be derived. FIG. 9 is a diagram of one embodiment of aninheritance hierarchy for simulation node classes. Note that the diagramof FIG. 9 is meant to be exemplary only, and is not intended to limitthe inheritance hierarchy to any particular structure or set of classes.

As FIG. 9 shows, the root simulation node class is the genericsimulation node, described above and labeled “Generic Simulation Node”.In this embodiment, the generic simulation node is a node whose basicpurpose is to provide the fundamental interface and BlockState that maybe used by derived simulation nodes, and may contain baseimplementations for every simulation node method or function. In oneembodiment, the generic simulation node may also store a fundamentalblock state that may be used by every derived simulation node.

In one embodiment, the generic simulation component of the block statemay contain a reference to the simulation diagram (and possibly theassociated companion diagram) to which the node belongs, the dimensionsof the block, its orientation, and a color. In one embodiment, thegeneric simulation component of the block state may include additionalinformation, such as, for example, version information, a block name,and/or class hierarchy table, etc. FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment ofan information dialog for the generic simulation node block state. AsFIG. 10 shows, fields may be provided for specifying the node or blocksize, orientation, and color, among others.

FIG. 11—SubVI Wrapper Node

Referring back to FIG. 9, in this exemplary embodiment of the classhierarchy, a subVI wrapper node class may be derived from the genericsimulation node. Note that as used herein, the term “subVI” refers to agraphical program element or node that may itself represent a pluralityof other graphical program elements, e.g., a sub-diagram. In oneembodiment, the subVI wrapper node is a node whose core functionalitymay be implemented purely in terms of a subVI (possibly polymorphic).The subVI may then be wrapped by a simulation node in order to provideextended user interface (UI) capabilities, such as configuration pages,dynamic icons, etc.

In one embodiment, these nodes may store a path to the wrapped subVI intheir block state as well as an index of the current polymorphicinstance, if applicable. The nodes may include a code generation methodthat may script a call to the subVI, as well as a property types methodthat may attempt to find a polymorphic match to adapt to whenapplicable. The nodes may harvest information from various properties,such as conpane (a configuration pane or panel), icon, and VIproperties, as needed to generate term specifications, a base icon, etc.FIG. 11 illustrates an information dialog for the subVI wrapper node,where the dialog includes fields for the path to the wrapped subVI, aswell as the index of the current polymorphic instance.

FIG. 12—Config SubVI Wrapper Node

In one embodiment, a configuration subVI wrapper node class may beprovided that extends the subVI wrapper node class with a configurationpage that is generated “on-the-fly” based on the parameters of thewrapped subVI. FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of a configurationpage information dialog and a configuration page, in this case for anintegrator block or node. As FIG. 12 shows, in this embodiment, theconfiguration page information dialog may include fields for specifyinga type description and a terminal source table, including label, index,and data source.

In one embodiment, the configuration page may be an event based dialogthat displays a list of parameters in a tree control. Once a parameteris selected, a corresponding control may be harvested from the subVI andinserted into a VI running in a sub-panel on the configuration page. Theuser may then set the value of the parameter through a sub-panel controlas well as choose the source of the parameter (e.g., a terminal orconfiguration page).

In this embodiment, the initial source of a parameter may be determinedby the required/recommended/optional state of the terminal on the subVI.The initial value for the parameter may come from the default value ofthe control on the subVI. Any parameter data or source information thatis set to a value other than default by the user in the configurationpage may be stored in a table in the node's block state.

FIG. 13—Feed-Through Config SubVI Wrapper Node

Referring again to FIG. 9, a feed-through config subVI class is shownderived from the config subVI wrapper class. FIG. 13 illustrates aninformation dialog for the feed-through config subVI class, according toone embodiment. The feed-through config subVI wrapper node may be usedfor non-direct feed-through blocks such as integrator and transferfunctions. In one embodiment, the feed-through config subVI wrapper nodemay extend the config subVI wrapper node by adding a list of terminalsthat indirectly feed other terminals, as well as a feed-through map thatmay be generated for each property type pass to be used by itsfeed-through simulation node method, as shown.

FIGS. 14A and 14B—Graph Config SubVI Wrapper Node

As FIG. 9 also shows, in one embodiment, a graph config subVI wrapperclass may also be derived from the config subVI wrapper class. FIG. 14Aillustrates an information dialog for the graph config subVI class,according to one embodiment. FIG. 14B illustrates an example nodeconfiguration dialog for the graph config subVI wrapper node.

In one embodiment, the graph config subVI wrapper may extend the configVI wrapper to generate a chart depicting the value of one output of thenode versus an input of the node, given the values of the parameters asset in the configuration page over a set range of values. This graph maybe displayed on the configuration page and updated as parameter valuesare changed. Additionally, this graph may be displayed on the node'sicon, which may be useful for signal generator blocks whose outputvaries as a function of the simulation time. Additionally, the graph maybe used to display the effect of applying functions to signals,typically displaying f(y=x).

FIG. 14A illustrates a graph, referred to as a chirp graph, with anaccompanying dialog box for configuring the graph. The graph displays achirp signal, which is a signal whose frequency content increases withtime. As FIG. 14A shows, in this embodiment, various fields may beprovided for specifying upper and lower bounds for the graph, backgroundand foreground colors (BG and FG Color), graph and axis labels, graphtype, and input/output terms.

In the configuration dialog of FIG. 14B, various fields may be providedfor configuring the node. For example, as FIG. 14B shows, fields may beprovided for specifying node version (shown set to “scalar”), and fordisplaying and setting parameters such as initial frequency, targettime, and target frequency (in the “Parameters” section of the dialog).As FIG. 14B also shows, a sub-panel (labeled “Parameter Info”) may alsobe displayed whereby the user may specify a data source and value for aselected parameter. In one embodiment, a description of the selectedparameter may also be provided for the user. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 14B, a pre-view graph is also displayed in the configurationdialog, allowing the user to view the behavior of a selected parametergiven a particular configuration of the node. Note that the dialog andfields of FIG. 14B are exemplary only, and are not intended to limit theform, appearance, or functionality of the configuration dialog to anyparticular form or function.

FIGS. 15A and 15B—N-Ary Operation Node

Referring again to FIG. 9, an n-ary operation node class may be derivedfrom the generic simulation node class. As is well known in the art, ann-ary operation receives n inputs and generates an output based on thoseinputs. Thus, the n-ary operation node may implement an operation thattakes n inputs and outputs a result. One example of this type ofsimulation node or block is a summer block that wraps a compoundarithmetic primitive.

FIG. 15A illustrates three different embodiments of the summer block ornode icon. Note that each block receives three inputs (in these cases,all zeros), and generates an output in double format (Result, Result 2,and Result 3). FIG. 15B illustrates an exemplary n-ary operationconfiguration dialog, whereby a user may select or otherwise specifysuch configuration parameters as icon style, number of inputs, andterminal operation modes, e.g., addition or subtraction.

The following lists exemplary simulation nodes with their respectiveparent node classes:

I. Continuous Linear

Integrator (vector and scalar)—Config SubVI Wrapper

Derivative (vector and scalar)—Config SubVI Wrapper

Transfer Function (SISO and MIMO)—Config SubVI Wrapper

Zero-Pole-Gain (SISO and MIMO)—Config SubVI Wrapper

State Space—Config SubVI Wrapper

Transport Delay (vector and scalar)—Config SubVI Wrapper

II. Discrete Linear

Integrator (vector and scalar)—Config SubVI Wrapper

Transfer Function (SISO and MIMO)—Config SubVI Wrapper

Zero-Pole-Gain (SISO and MIMO)—Config SubVI Wrapper

State Space—Config SubVI Wrapper

Unit Delay (vector and scalar)—Config SubVI Wrapper

Zero Order Hold (vector and scalar)—Config SubVI Wrapper

First Order Hold (vector and scalar)—Config SubVI Wrapper

Filter (vector and scalar)—Config SubVI Wrapper

III. Non-Linear

Backlash (vector and scalar)—Graph Config SubVI Wrapper

Friction (vector and scalar)—Graph Config SubVI Wrapper

Deadzone (vector and scalar)—Graph Config SubVI Wrapper

Quantizer (vector and scalar)—Graph Config SubVI Wrapper

Rate Limiter (vector and scalar)—Config SubVI Wrapper

Relay (vector and scalar)—Config SubVI Wrapper

Saturation (vector and scalar)—Graph Config SubVI Wrapper

Switch (vector and scalar)—Config SubVI Wrapper

N-way switch? (vector and scalar)—N-ary Operation

IV. Signal Generators

Sine Wave (vector and scalar)—Graph Config SubVI Wrapper

Square Wave (vector and scalar)—Graph Config SubVI Wrapper

Ramp (vector and scalar)—Graph Config SubVI Wrapper

Signal Generator (vector and scalar)—Graph Config SubVI Wrapper

Chirp Signal (vector and scalar)—Graph Config SubVI Wrapper

Step Function (vector and scalar)—Graph Config SubVI Wrapper

V. Signal Arithmetic

Gain (vector & scalar)—N-ary Operation

Summer (vector and scalar)—N-ary Operation

Multiplier (vector and scalar)

VI. Look Up Tables

Look Up Table 1D (vector and scalar)—Graph Config SubVI Wrapper

Look Up Table 2D (vector and scalar)—Graph Config SubVI Wrapper

Look Up Table nD (vector and scalar)—Graph Config SubVI Wrapper

Pre-Indexing Look Up Tables

VII. Graph/Chart Utilities

XY Graph Memory

SimTime Chart (vector and scalar)

VIII. Utilities

Simulation Time—SubVI Wrapper

Simulation Halt—SubVI Wrapper

Other simulation parameter access blocks

Note that the above simulation nodes and parent classes are intended tobe exemplary only, and are not intended to limit the simulation nodes toany particular number, functionality, or parent class. For example,other signal generators are also contemplated, such as noise generators,etc.

In one embodiment, one or more of the simulation nodes may include adisable switch, whereby a user (or program) may turn the correspondingfeature off.

Simulation Subsystems

In one embodiment, at least one of the simulation nodes represents asub-simulation diagram, referred to as a simulation subsystem, where thesub-simulation diagram may comprise two or more additional simulationnodes. In other words, a simulation node may represent a plurality ofadditional simulation nodes, and thus may serve to represent orencapsulate a sub-simulation diagram.

In one embodiment, simulation subsystems primarily exist in order toimplement sub-models, i.e. to graphically package parts of a simulationdiagram in a simpler form, e.g., a node. To the user, a simulationsubsystem may appear as a node whose root diagram is a simulationdiagram, and may be placed (in LabVIEW subVI fashion) in a simulationdiagram. However, when placed in a simulation diagram, these subsystemspreferably execute as if inlined in the diagram, i.e. may executeelements of their diagram as inputs become available, rather thanwaiting for all inputs to the simulation subsystem node to be valid.Thus, simulation subsystems may provide a graphical shorthand, i.e., away to group code elements together into a single icon. Key differencesbetween simulation subsystems and LabVIEW subVIs may include one or moreof the following:

1. Diagram placement—Simulation subsystems may only be used in asimulation diagram, while LabVIEW primitives may be used in standardLabVIEW block diagrams, and in some cases may be used in a simulationdiagram.

2. Execution—When run as a free-standing VI, the simulation subsystemmay execute its diagram as if it were contained within a simulationloop, thereby allowing the user to test and debug the diagram inisolation, e.g., without having to be enclosed in a simulation loop.When run in a simulation loop, e.g., as part of a larger data flowdiagram, simulation subsystems may execute as if inlined, i.e. elementsin the diagrams may execute as individual inputs become available.

3. Connection Feed-through—In addition to storing data types for inputsand outputs, the simulation subsystems may compute and store afeed-through mapping of inputs to outputs, e.g., for the additionalsimulation nodes comprised in the sub-simulation diagram.

4. Simulation Parameters—Simulation subsystems store default simulationparameters for their respective simulation diagrams for use when theyare run as free-standing systems. However, when embedded in anothersimulation diagram (a parent diagram), the subsystems may inheritparameter values from the parent diagram.

Thus, similar to above, in one embodiment, one or more simulationparameters for the sub-simulation diagram may be configured and stored,where the configured one or more simulation parameters specify operationof the sub-simulation diagram. In a preferred embodiment, the two ormore additional simulation nodes (in the sub-simulation diagram) areoperable to execute in the simulation diagram in an inlined manner.Thus, the simulation subsystem (node) may utilize the feed-throughmapping for simulation nodes comprised in the simulation subsystem'ssub-simulation diagram to execute the simulation nodes appropriately,e.g., with indirect feed-through, as described above.

In one embodiment, the structure may comprise a simulation loopstructure enclosing the second plurality of graphical program elements,where the simulation loop is operable to execute the simulation diagramone or more times to advance the simulation one time step. In oneembodiment, the simulation loop may include input terminals for wiringin simulation parameters, error in and error out.

For example, in one embodiment, an optional input terminal may beprovided in the top left corner of the loop that allows users toprogrammatically set a cluster of parameters for the enclosed simulationdiagram. If this terminal is unwired, then the user may right-click onthe border of the simulation loop and configure the parameters via apop-up dialog. The bottom left corner may host the error input terminaland bottom right corner may host the error out terminal. Any error thatoccurs during simulation may be passed out using the error out terminal.These terminals may thus give users full programmatic control of thesimulation loop.

In one embodiment, the simulation loop may comprise a LabVIEW loopstructure containing a simulation diagram. The simulation loop may besimilar to a LabVIEW “while” loop, e.g., may include a loop iteratorterminal and a “stop” terminal. For each increment of the iteratoroutput, the simulation loop may execute its simulation diagramsufficiently many times to advance the simulation one time step. Thesimulation loop may thus comprise a vehicle for embedding a simulationdiagram into a LabVIEW diagram. Key differences between the simulationloop and a standard LabVIEW “while” loop may include:

1. The diagram enclosed in the loop is a simulation diagram, which maydiffer substantially from a standard LabVIEW block diagram, as describedabove.

2. The iteration terminal output is preferably incremented only on thebeginning of a new time step, not with each execution of the diagram.

3. The “stop” terminal may only be evaluated at the end of a time step.

4. The simulation may stop when the simulation time reaches thespecified stop time, or when the “stop” terminal specifies that the loopshould stop, e.g., whichever comes first.

5. Simulation Parameters—The user may need to specify parameters for thesimulation diagram contained within the loop. The specification of thesimulation parameters may be performed programmatically and/or viastatic configuration, e.g., at compile time. In one embodiment, thesimulation parameters may include an iteration method, start time, stoptime, and time-step for the simulation. The simulation may stop when thefinal time is reached, or when a stop is signaled at the stop terminal.Additional parameters may include integrator tolerance (both relativeand absolute), as well as minimum and maximum step sizes, among others.

Thus, summarizing the above, in one embodiment, the simulation loopstructure may comprise a loop iterator terminal and a stop terminal,where the loop iteration terminal is incremented upon the beginning of atime step, where the stop terminal is evaluated at the end of a timestep, and where the simulation is operable to stop at a specified stoptime or when the evaluation of the stop terminal indicates that thesimulation is to stop.

As described above, in one embodiment, the simulation diagram maycorrespond to a companion diagram in accordance with the first data flowsemantics (or more generally, the first model of computation), whereexecuting the simulation diagram may comprise executing the companiondiagram. In other words, when the data flow diagram (or graphicalprogram) is executed, the companion diagram may be executed in lieu of,or in conjunction with, the simulation diagram. In a preferredembodiment, the companion diagram is generated or scripted automaticallywhen the simulation diagram is executed. Details of this scriptingprocess for a simulation diagram are provided below.

In one embodiment, the term pre-scripting may refer to the state of asimulation diagram which has not been executed at all, i.e. thecompanion diagram has not been generated for it yet. The termpost-scripting may refer to the state of a simulation diagram when thecompanion diagram has been generated. Finally, the term “dirty” mayrefer to the state of a companion diagram which has either not beenscripted at all or a state in which is it not consistent with what isrepresented on the simulation diagram. Thus, after scripting (i.e.hitting a run button on the simulation diagram), if more items (nodes,signals etc.) are added to the simulation diagram, then the companiondiagram may be set to the ‘dirty’ state. In other words, the “dirty”state indicates that the companion diagram is not up to date withrespect to the simulation diagram.

Additional Features

In various embodiments of the present invention, additional features maybe included or provided, e.g., for checking and debugging the simulationdiagram. For example, in one embodiment, syntax checking may besupported, where types may be propagated on the simulation diagram, andwhere type problems and invalid cycles may be flagged as the user editsthe simulation diagram. In another embodiment, debugging support may beprovided, including for example, support for execution highlighting(mentioned above), breakpoints, and single stepping. Although executionduring the evaluation of a simulation diagram may differ from LabVIEWdiagrams (i.e. nodes may execute more than once in any diagramexecution), in one embodiment, the following features may be provided orsupported:

Detailed Debugging Information:

To achieve debugging in the simulation diagram a table of mappings maybe provided or determined which map nodes and signals in the simulationdiagram to the respective nodes and signals in the companion diagram.There are generally more nodes in the companion diagram than in thesimulation diagram. The mapping tables may be populated when thecompanion diagram is being scripted or generated. Below are listedseveral features which may be provided for debugging the simulationdiagram.

Breakpoints

Similar to LabVIEW, setting a breakpoint on a simulation node maysuspend execution of the diagram in which the node is comprised as soonas the node just prior to it in execution order finishes (i.e., aprecursor node). However, simulation subsystems may introduce some addedcomplexity to this mechanism. Since simulation subsystems are preferablyexecuted as if inlined into the diagram, a simulation subsystem node mayin fact be split up into pieces that execute in separate clumps. In thiscase, there may be more than one “immediate precursor” node, andexecution may halt following the execution of any and all of theseprecursor nodes. Setting a breakpoint on a signal may suspend theexecution of the simulation diagram just after the execution of the nodewhich owns the source terminal. Setting a breakpoint on a simulationdiagram may suspend execution of the simulation diagram just before thefirst set of node executions for the simulation diagram evaluation (i.e.on the first iteration of a time step).

In one embodiment, breakpoints may be added pre-scripting orpost-scripting. For example, if the user adds a breakpoint on thesimulation diagram in the pre-scripting state, the breakpoint may be seton the companion diagram automatically via scripting the first time whenthe run button is hit. After the scripting is done, companion diagramdebugging information may be propagated back to the simulation diagram.In one embodiment, highlighting a node on the companion diagram may bepropagated to the simulation diagram. If the user clears a breakpoint onthe simulation diagram before the companion diagram has been scripted(pre-scripting), nothing further is required.

Alternatively, if the user adds a breakpoint on the simulation diagramin the pre-scripting state, i.e., after the companion diagram isgenerated, then if the companion diagram is not ‘dirty’ (nomodifications have been made in the simulation diagram such asaddition/removal of nodes or signals, and so forth), then a breakpointmay be set on the companion diagram at the appropriate place (a forwardmapping of nodes from the simulation diagram to the companion diagrammay be used to determine the appropriate place). If the user clears abreakpoint on the simulation diagram after the companion diagram isgenerated (post-scripting), a determination may be made as to whetherthe companion diagram is ‘dirty’, and if the companion diagram is notdirty then the breakpoint may be removed from the simulation diagram aswell as the companion diagram.

In one embodiment, undo/redo breakpoints (for both post/pre-scripting)may be supported, allowing the user to toggle any specified breakpoints.In another embodiment, the user may also be allowed to browsebreakpoints, e.g., by selecting Browse>>Breakpoints (or equivalent) froma menu, in response to which only the breakpoints on the simulationdiagram may be displayed. In other words, from the user's perspective,all interactions related to the companion diagram are preferablymediated by the simulation diagram. For example, the user may not evenbe aware of the companion diagram, but may only be allowed to view andinteract with the simulation diagram.

In one embodiment, breakpoints may also be supported for simulationsubsystems. For example, when a breakpoint is set on a simulationsubsystem (e.g., pre/post-scripting), breakpoints are preferably set oncorresponding node(s) in the simulation subsystem's sub-diagram (i.e.,nodes which can fire independently).

Probes

In one embodiment, probes may be supported, whereby a user may ascertaininformation regarding the operation of the simulation diagram. Forexample, when a probe is dropped on a simulation diagram signal inpre-scripting state (the companion diagram has not been generated), theprobe may be linked to the simulation diagram signal and also drawn onit. During the generation (scripting) of the companion diagram theprobes may be copied over one by one to the companion diagram. In thecopying process the probes may be linked to the corresponding companiondiagram signal, but are preferably still drawn on the simulation diagramsignal. Alternatively, when a probe is dropped on a simulation diagramsignal in post-scripting state (the companion diagram has beengenerated), the probe may be drawn on the simulation diagram signal, butmay receive its updates from the companion signal, i.e., the probe ispreferably linked to the corresponding companion signal. When a probe(e.g., a smart or generic probe) is dropped, an indicator or parameter(e.g., a probe mask) may be set on both the simulation diagram signaland the companion signal. When the probe is removed, the indicator orparameter (probe mask) may be removed from both signals.

Execution Highlighting

As noted above, in one embodiment, execution highlighting may besupported, in the simulation diagram and/or the companion diagram. Forexample, in one embodiment, tokens may flow on simulation diagramsignals when their source terminals fire. In the case of multiple nodeexecution for a single execution of the simulation diagram, there may becases where an input is required but the source terminal for the signaldoes not fire during that iteration of the simulation diagram. In thiscase, the input may be the value of the token that flowed on theprevious iteration. This value may preferably not flow down the wire ifthe terminal does not fire, although the value may appear on the inputas the node fires.

As nodes in the companion diagram are executed, the nodes that map backto the simulation diagram may be highlighted, e.g., with their signalsillustrated graphically, e.g., by drawing bubbles. Note that in apreferred embodiment, nothing in the simulation diagram is actuallyexecuted. In other words, the companion diagram is executed in lieu ofthe simulation diagram, where the activity and results of the companiondiagram, e.g., the values and drawing of the bubbles and graying out,are propagated from the companion diagram to the simulation diagram. Thecompanion diagram may thus interface to the rest of the data flowdiagram, e.g., the portion of the data flow diagram with first data flowsemantics, via the simulation diagram, e.g., via the coupling orboundary between the simulation diagram and the rest of the data flowdiagram.

Single Stepping

In one embodiment, single stepping and pause functionality may besupported. For example, “pausing” a diagram may preferably cause thediagram to act as if breakpoints had been set on all nodes visible inthe diagram. All regular subVIs and all primitives (simulation andotherwise) may also support “step into”, as is well known in the art ofdebugging. Similarly, “step out” functionality may be provided wherebythe user may step out to the end of the time step for the simulationdiagram. Additionally, “step over” functionality may also be provided,where execution of the diagram preferably continues until the nextbreakpoint is reached. In one embodiment, for simulation subsystems,only “step over” may be allowed, i.e., “step in” may not be needed orallowed because the simulation subsystems are preferably inlined.

Thus, in one embodiment, debug information may be provided for the firstportion of the third graphical program in accordance with the firstmodel of computation, and for the second portion of the third graphicalprogram in accordance with the second model of computation. Similarly,in one embodiment, debug information may be received (e.g., from a useror developer) for the first portion of the third graphical program inaccordance with the first model of computation, and from the secondportion of the third graphical program in accordance with the secondmodel of computation.

Conversion of Simulation Diagram

As described above with respect to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the seconddata flow diagram (which is preferably a second portion of anencompassing third, heterogeneous, data flow diagram), i.e., thesimulation diagram, may be converted to the first data flow diagram withthe first data flow semantics, e.g., a LabVIEW data flow diagram.

In the context of the simulation diagram example, the second data flowsemantics may specify a heterogeneous model of computation. For example,the second data flow semantics may support a multi-rate execution ofgraphical program elements, and may also include explicit feedbackconnections to implement looping. This is in contrast to the first dataflow semantics, which may preferably support only direct feed-throughfor inputs and outputs of graphical program elements. In a preferredembodiment, the second data flow diagram comprises a control blockdiagram utilizing control block notation. More specifically, the seconddata flow diagram preferably comprises a simulation diagram, where atleast a subset of the second plurality of graphical program elementscomprise simulation nodes, and where the simulation diagram implements asimulation.

Thus, in one embodiment, at least one of the simulation nodes executestwo or more times per execution of the simulation diagram. Similarly, inone embodiment, the simulation nodes may support direct feed-through andindirect feed-through for inputs and outputs of the simulation nodes.Said another way, in one embodiment, at least one of the simulationnodes includes a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs, where afirst output of the plurality of outputs requires only a subset of theplurality of inputs, and where the least one of the simulation nodes isoperable to fire upon reception of the subset of the plurality of inputsto generate the first output.

In one embodiment, at least one simulation node of the simulation nodessupports a feedback cycle between an output of the simulation node andan input of the simulation node, or between an input and an output of asequence of simulation nodes. However, in some embodiments, this featuremay be conditioned on the relationship between the input and the outputof the node(s). For example, in one embodiment, the at least onesimulation node of the simulation nodes may support a feedback cyclebetween an output of the simulation node and an input of the simulationnode if: the input of the simulation node has indirect feed-through tothe output of the simulation node, and/or the input of the simulationnode corresponds to a different iteration than the output of thesimulation node. This restriction may also apply to sequences ofsimulation nodes.

In a preferred embodiment, converting a simulation diagram (alsoreferred to as a control block diagram) with the second data flowsemantics to a data flow diagram with the first data flow semanticspreferably includes generating a companion diagram, where the companiondiagram implements the functionality (and the second data flowsemantics) of the simulation diagram, but where the implementationitself operates in accordance with the first data flow semantics.

The following describes one embodiment of the conversion process. In thedescription below, the first data flow diagram is assumed to be aLabVIEW diagram, although it is noted that any other type of data flowdiagram and semantics may also be used.

First, all items in the simulation diagram may be copied to the LabVIEWcompanion diagram, and surrounded with a timed loop, where the loop maybe operable to iterate successive time steps of the simulation (timingcan be determined by software and/or hardware). The parameters of thetimed loop may be exposed via a configuration page (e.g., the sameconfiguration page which is used for configuring the simulationparameters).

All simulation nodes in the companion diagram may then be inlined. Inother words, any simulation subsystems, i.e., simulation nodes thatrepresent or include other nodes (e.g., subVIs) may be expanded untilthe companion diagram includes only atomic nodes or simulationprimitives. Said another way, all simulation node hierarchies aredecomposed to their lowest level constituent simulation primitives,resulting in a single-level simulation diagram.

Any control and indicator nodes in the simulation diagram may then bemoved to the edges of the loop, and the remaining nodes surrounded witha nested while and for loop to implement multi-stage (e.g. Runge-Kutta)processing or execution.

The simulation primitives may then be replaced with LabVIEW graphicalprogram elements, e.g., nodes or VIs, that implement the functionalityof the simulation primitives.

All indirect feed-through inputs may be implemented by buffering themwith a shift register. Note that inputs to simulation primitivespreferably directly feed all or none of the outputs. However, thisrestriction may not apply to the more general class of simulation nodes.

Finally, in one embodiment all simulation primitives may be threadedwith a simulation data signal according to an execution partial orderdetermined by topological analysis. Such a partial order is guaranteedto exist as long as the diagram has no direct feed-through cyclesbetween simulation primitives. In one embodiment, any simulationprimitives that do not modify the simulation data may be wired first ina “star” fashion. All other simulation primitives may be subsequentlythreaded according to the determined partial order.

Note that in a preferred embodiment, the conversion process describedabove, referred to as a scripting step, is a “pre-compile” step, and sois preferably performed prior to compilation. Note also that thecompilation is preferably performed on the companion diagram rather thanthe simulation diagram.

Editing and Debugging Simulation Diagrams

In one embodiment, after the companion diagram has been generated, theuser may wish to edit the simulation. As noted above, in someembodiments, the companion diagram may not be displayed, and so the usermay not have access to (or even be aware of) the companion diagram.Thus, in a preferred embodiment, all user edits occur in the simulationdiagram, although the corresponding executable code is generated fromthe companion diagram, and so any edits made to the simulation diagramare preferably reflected in the companion diagram. In a preferredembodiment, prior to compilation of the companion diagram, thesimulation diagram may be checked for consistency with respect tosyntax, data types, and so forth. For debugging purposes, nodes andsignals (e.g., data communicated between the nodes) may be mapped tocounterparts on the simulation diagram.

A primary key for debugging the simulation diagram is the mapping ofsimulation nodes and their output terminals in the simulation diagram tothe companion diagram. With the exception of simulation subsystems,nodes may map uniquely from the simulation diagram to the companiondiagram. Signals in general may not map uniquely, however, outputterminals do, and so signals may be mapped directly to correspondingsignals of corresponding output terminals. Thus, with the exception ofsimulation subsystems, this may facilitate generation of a sparse set ofdebugging code. For example, rather than inserting debugging checksafter the execution of every node, debugging checks may only be insertedfollowing the execution of nodes that immediately precede nodesrepresented on the simulation diagram.

The mapping of simulation subsystems is more complex, but since eachinstance of a simulation subsystem maps to a unique collection of nodes,it may suffice to put breakpoint checks on every node that executesimmediately before any node in the collection. Furthermore, each outputterminal of a subsystem may map uniquely to an output terminal of a nodein the collection, and so execution highlighting of signals may retainthe mapping rule of signals to corresponding owning terminals asdescribed above.

In one embodiment, the propagation of edits made to the simulationdiagram to the companion diagram may be accomplished by clearing thecompanion diagram each time an edit is made to any node contained in thesimulation diagram. An alternative approach is to maintain a mapping ofobjects in the simulation diagram to objects in the companion diagram,and only update those elements in the companion diagram whosecorresponding elements in the simulation diagram have been edited.

One of the steps in generating or scripting the companion diagram is tothread the simulation data signal through all of the simulationprimitives that modify it. In effect, this threading may specify asequential firing order for the simulation primitives. However, as notedabove, it is possible for an output of one primitive to feed a directfeed-through input of another primitive. Hence, an analysis may beperformed on either the scripted companion diagram or the simulationdiagram to determine these dependencies and to find a workable firingorder for the simulation primitives. In a preferred embodiment, atopological sort may be performed on the scripted companion diagrambefore threading the simulation data signal, and then setting the firingorder accordingly. Thus, in one embodiment, the scripted(programmatically generated) diagram may be analyzed to determine thefiring order of the simulation primitives. For example, the diagram maybe analyzed to determine the data dependencies and hence determine theorder of execution of the simulation primitives.

The configuration of execution parameters, e.g., integration method,step size, etc., for the simulation diagram may be performed manually orprogrammatically. For example, in the manual case, the user may specifythe parameters via configuration dialogs, scripts or initializationfiles, etc. In one embodiment, these parameters may be set by theowner(s) of the simulation diagram (e.g., either the simulation loop orthe simulation subsystem/subVI). Alternatively, programmaticconfiguration of these parameters may be performed via communicationwith external systems or programs, or by additional program elementsincluded in the data flow diagram.

Example: Synchronous Data Flow Diagram

Another example of non-homogenous or heterogeneous data flow semanticsrelates to synchronous data flow (SDF). As is well known in the art,synchronous data flow refers to a model of computation that uses adirected graph syntax, and where function nodes, referred to as actors,represent respective computations, and are interconnected by edges thatrepresent one-way first-in first-out (FIFO) queues. Each actor typicallyproduces and consumes a fixed number of tokens onto or from eachinput/output edge.

Benefits of using an SDF model of computation include the ability tomodel multi-rate systems effectively, the ability to generate staticschedules at compile time, ability to optimize the static schedules forminimum program memory or buffer memory for single processor targets,e.g., for embedded systems, and the fact that synchronous data flow iswidely used and well studied. The restricted semantics of SDF allows itto be deterministic and statically schedulable at compile time, whichenables powerful optimizations to be performed by the compiler. Theseproperties make SDF a good candidate for developing code for smallembedded targets where determinism and optimal use of resources iscritical, such as, for example, multi-rate DSP systems.

Thus, in one embodiment, the second data flow semantics may specify asynchronous data flow (SDF) model of computation. In a preferredembodiment, the structure indicating use of the second data flowsemantics for graphical program elements comprised within the structuremay comprise a multi-rate loop structure enclosing the second pluralityof graphical program elements, where at least two of the secondplurality of graphical program elements have different execution rates.

It should be noted that many of the features and techniques describedabove with respect to simulation diagrams also apply to SDF diagrams,and so it is contemplated that any of the techniques and processesdescribed above may also be utilized with respect to SDF diagrams.

Thus, in one embodiment, the second plurality of graphical programelements may comprise an SDF diagram. Said another way, in oneembodiment, the second plurality of graphical program elements maycomprise SDF nodes interconnected via one or more edges, where each edgespecifies a first-in, first-out (FIFO) buffer and a delay. Furthermore,in one embodiment, each SDF node may be specified to consume arespective first number of tokens, and may be further specified toproduce a respective second number of tokens, where the delay for eachedge specifies an initial number of tokens residing on that edge.

Generally, in SDF diagrams, a node is enabled for execution when enoughtokens are available on all inputs. Source nodes with no inputs are thusalways enabled. As noted above, the number of tokens produced andconsumed by a node is fixed and may be known at compile time.

FIGS. 16A and 16B—Simple SDF Diagrams

FIG. 16A illustrates a simple SDF diagram, including actors A and B, andan edge that produces one token and consumes two tokens. As shown theedge has a delay of three. Thus, actor (node) B may fire twice for eachsingle firing of A, and due to the delay of three, will process thefirst output of A upon B's second firing. When B fires, the consumeddata is dequeued from the edge (also known as an arc), and used tocompute B's output. Note that the SDF diagram of FIG. 16A is a simpleexample, and is intended only to illustrate the basic aspects of an SDFdiagram.

FIG. 16B illustrates another simple SDF diagram presented in a slightlydifferent format, where actors C and D are coupled by two edges, one ofwhich produces three tokens and consumes two tokens, and a second thatproduces two tokens and consumes three tokens. As FIG. 16B shows, thesecond (bottom) edge has a delay of six, indicated by the diamondoverlaid on the edge. In other words, six tokens are initially in queuefor the second edge or arc. Note that this SDF diagram includes anexplicit feedback loop, where the output of actor D is provided as inputto actor C.

It should be noted that in some embodiments, while the nodes or actorsof the diagram may not themselves be multi-rate elements, the diagramitself may be multi-rate. Note also that the history of tokens produceson edges is not dependent on the execution order of the nodes. In otherwords, the nodes or actors may execute in sequence or in parallel andshould produce the same output in either case.

FIGS. 17A and 17B—SDF Actors and Multi-Rate Actor Palette

As noted above, multi-rate actors may be particularly suitable formodeling multi-rate systems such as signal processing and communicationssystems. Examples of signal processing systems include finite impulseresponse (FIR) filters, infinite impulse response filters, Fast Fouriertransforms (FFT), and filter banks, among others. Examples ofcommunications systems include sinusoidal modulators/demodulators, pulseshapers (often FIR filters), and transmission subsystems, among others.

FIG. 17A illustrates several multi-rate actors that model some of theabove multi-rate systems, including an FIR filter actor that producesand consumes one token per firing, an FFT actor that produces andconsumes 64 tokens per firing, a down-sampler or decimator actor thatconsumes two tokens and produces one token per firing, and a sinusoidalmodulator that consumes two tokens (on two incoming edges) and producesone token. Note that the sine component is a source actor, and onlyproduces a token. Of course, these actors are meant to be exemplaryonly, and are not intended to limit the types or functionalities ofactors to any particular type or function.

FIG. 17B illustrates one embodiment of a “multi-rate” palette that maybe presented to a user for creating an SDF diagram. As shown, multi-rateactors may be displayed in the palette for selection by the user forinclusion in the diagram, e.g., by dragging and dropping the actor iconsfrom the palette onto the diagram. Exemplary actors shown in thisexample palette include (from left to right) a delay icon, forspecifying the initial tokens on an edge or wire, a sine signalgenerator, an FIR filter, an up sample node (up arrow), a down samplenode (down arrow), an analog input actor, and an analog output actor.Note that the actors shown in the palette are for example only, and thatany other type of multi-rate actors may be included in the palette.

FIG. 18—Example SDF Diagram

In one embodiment, the user may create an SDF diagram in much the sameway that a LabVIEW data flow diagram is created. For example, the usermay select various actors (nodes) from a palette, such as the palette ofFIG. 17B, “drag and drop” the actors onto the SDF diagram, and wire orotherwise interconnect the actors to implement the desired data flow.FIG. 18 illustrates an example SDF diagram created using some of theactors from the palette of FIG. 17B. As shown, the up sample actor, theFIR filter actor, and the down sample actor are connected in sequence,and an explicit feedback cycle is implemented by an edge with a delay oftwo (i.e., two initial tokens). Note that token consumption/productionfor each node is indicated on the actor icons.

As noted earlier, in one embodiment, a structure may be displayed orincluded in the diagram that indicates use of the second data flowsemantics, in this case, the SDF model of computation, for graphicalprogram elements (actors) enclosed in the structure. Thus, the SDFdiagram of FIG. 18 includes a structure that encloses the SDF diagram,i.e., the black rectangle surrounding the diagram. In one embodiment,the structure may substantially comprise the simulation loop structure,described above with reference to the simulation diagram example.

As also indicated above, in preferred embodiments, the SDF diagram mayitself be included in a larger data flow diagram, as described withreference to FIG. 5. Thus, the structure may effectively separate theactors from graphical program elements in the data flow diagram thathave different data flow semantics, e.g., LabVIEW graphical programelements that operate according to the first data flow semantics, i.e.,with a homogenous model of computation.

The actors or SDF nodes are preferably multi-rate actors. In otherwords, each actor in the SDF diagram may be capable of firing orexecuting multiple times within one schedule period of the diagram. Saidanother way, each actor may execute multiple times for each execution ofthe SDF diagram. Another aspect of multi-rate actors is that each actormay consume and/or produce more than one token at each firing. In oneembodiment, the actors may also support explicit feedback cycles, asdescribed above; however, it may be necessary to include delays (e.g.,on the edges) to prevent deadlocks during execution of the diagram.These features of multi-rate actors are in contrast to those ofsingle-rate nodes such as LabVIEW nodes, which may only fire once perschedule period, and which may only consume and produce one token perfiring. Additionally, as noted above, LabVIEW nodes do not supportexplicit feedback cycles, relying instead on looping structures toimplement iterative processing.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the user may drop SDF actors or nodeswhich consume and produce different numbers of tokens onto an SDFdiagram, i.e., within the SDF structure, wire feedback between theseactors, and specify delay elements in the wires which are the initialtokens on each wire.

In one embodiment, one or more parameters may be configured and storedfor the SDF diagram, where the configured one or more parameters specifyoperation of the SDF diagram. For example, in one embodiment, timinginformation may be specified on the SDF diagram, i.e., the SDF diagrammay be a timed SDF diagram. In one embodiment, the configuration of theone or more parameters may be performed manually, e.g., via user inputto dialogs, configuration files, property nodes, etc. Alternatively, inanother embodiment, the configuration of the one or more parameters maybe performed programmatically, e.g., by an external program or systemcoupled to the SDF diagram or development environment.

Synchronous Data Flow Scheduling

One general requirement of SDF diagrams is that during execution of thediagram all tokens produced should be consumed, thereby bringing thediagram back to its original state. Thus, in one embodiment, loadbalancing may be performed to ensure this balance between production andconsumption of tokens. This is generally a task of linear complexity,e.g., the time and resources required to load balance the diagram varieslinearly with the number of nodes or actors, e.g., with the size of thediagram.

FIGS. 19-21B—Conversion of SDF Diagram

As described above with respect to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the seconddata flow diagram (which is preferably a second portion of anencompassing third, heterogeneous, data flow diagram), i.e., the SDFdiagram, may be converted to the first data flow diagram with the firstdata flow semantics, e.g., a LabVIEW data flow diagram.

In the context of the SDF diagram example, the second data flowsemantics may specify a heterogeneous model of computation, e.g., thesecond data flow semantics may support a multi-rate execution ofgraphical program elements (the multi-rate actors), and may also includeexplicit feedback connections to implement iterative execution orlooping. The second data flow diagram preferably comprises an SDFdiagram, where at least a subset of the second plurality of graphicalprogram elements comprise SDF nodes or actors. Thus, in one embodiment,at least one of the actors executes two or more times per execution ofthe SDF diagram, i.e., multiple times per schedule period.

In one embodiment, at least one actor or node in the SDF diagramsupports a feedback cycle between an output of the actor and an input ofthe actor, or between an input and an output of a sequence of actors,such as illustrated in FIG. 18. However, as described above with respectto simulation nodes, in some embodiments, this feature may beconditioned on the relationship between the input and the output of theactor or sequence of actors.

The following describes one embodiment of the conversion process from anSDF diagram to a LabVIEW diagram. Although in the description below, thefirst data flow diagram is assumed to be a LabVIEW diagram, it is notedthat any other type of data flow diagram and semantics may also be used.It should be noted that in various embodiments, any of the techniques,elements, and concepts described with respect to simulation diagrams mayalso be used with SDF diagrams, and vice versa.

The SDF diagram may be parsed, and a repetitions vector calculated forthe diagram. As is well known in the art, the repetitions vectorcomprises a vector of positive integers indexed by the actors whichspecify the number of times each actor should be invoked or executed inorder that the sample rates balance, i.e., the number of tokens producedonto an edge can be consumed completely. In other words, the repetitionsvector specifies a respective number of times each SDF node should fireto consume all tokens. For example, for the SDF diagram of FIG. 16A, therepetitions vector is given by:qG(A,B)=[2,1]

If a diagram has rates that cannot be balanced, the diagram may bedeemed sample rate inconsistent and the conversion process for thediagram may be terminated.

FIG. 19 illustrates one embodiment of a tool or dialog to facilitateparsing the SDF diagram. The dialog represents a data structure thatstores parameters that specify the structure or topology of the SDFdiagram. As FIG. 19 shows, fields and/or controls may be provided forspecifying or indicating actors (nodes), as well as input and outputedges for the actors. In a preferred embodiment, the dialog/datastructure may comprise an adjacency list, as is well known in the art ofgraph theory, where the nodes and their interconnecting edges arespecified or stored.

In one embodiment, a linear complexity algorithm may be used todetermine the number of firings for each actor required to return thediagram to its original state, i.e., to compute the repetitions vector.For example, in one embodiment, the repetitions vector for the SDFdiagram may be determined thusly:

One of the SDF nodes or actors may be selected, and a repetitions ratefor that node set to one. The SDF diagram may then be traversed startingwith the node using depth first search on the input edges, andappropriate repetition rates determined for each node traversed, e.g.,based on the tokens produced and consumed by each node. Note that theserates are determined relative to the selected node. The SDF diagram maythen be traversed again, starting with the node using depth firstsearch, but this time on the output edges, and appropriate repetitionrates determined for each node traversed.

If the repetition rates for both traversals are not equal, the SDFdiagram is sample rate inconsistent, and so the conversion process maybe terminated. If they are equal, the SDF diagram is considered samplerate consistent, and so the repetition rates may be normalized tointegers (thereby correcting for the fact that the rates were determinedrelative to the selected node) and the results returned as therepetitions vector.

FIG. 20 illustrates calculation of the repetitions vector for the SDFdiagram of FIG. 18. As FIG. 20 shows, the repetition rate of the firstactor (from left to right) is set to one (indicated above the actoricon). Now, traversing the input edges, the first actor consumes onetoken at its input edge, which connects to the third actor (far right)that produces one token, giving a repetition rate of one for that(third) actor. Traversing onward from the third actor to the second(middle) actor, the third actor consumes six tokens at its input edge,while the second actor produces three, giving a repetition rate of twofor the second actor. Finally, the second actor consumes two tokens atits input edge, but has a repetition rate of two, giving four tokens,which is matched by the consumption of four tokens by the first actor.

Now, traversing the output edges, the first actor produces four tokenswith a repetition rate of one. The second actor consumes two tokens perfiring, and so requires a repetition rate of two. The second actorproduces three tokens per firing, and has a repetition rate of two,producing six tokens, which is matched by the consumption of six tokensby the third actor, giving a repetition rate of one for the third actor.Thus, the repetition rates for the two traversals match, and theresultant repetitions vector is [1,2,1].

Once the repetitions vector is determined, a valid periodic schedule offirings for each of the actors may be determined or computed based onthe repetitions vector, such that each actor is specified to be firedexactly the number of times specified in the repetitions vector, so asto bring the diagram back to its original state when executed. It ispossible that the diagram may not have a valid periodic schedule due toan insufficient number of delays, in which case the conversion processmay be terminated. An SDF diagram which does have a valid periodicschedule may also have many other valid periodic schedules which canhave varying amounts of program and buffer memory requirements, as iswell known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, computing the validperiodic schedule for the SDF diagram is performed at compile time.

There are numerous approaches to scheduling that may be used, includingfor example, list scheduling, which may entail exponential complexity inthe worst case, heuristics to minimize buffer size, which may entailcubic complexity, and parallel schedulers, among others. In oneembodiment, the SDF diagram may be converted to an acyclic precedencediagram, i.e., a homogenous feed-forward data flow diagram, althoughthis may entail a worst case exponential increase in the number of nodesin the diagram.

In a preferred embodiment, a class-S algorithm may be used to determinethe valid schedule. In this approach, valid schedules are constructedgiven a positive integer multiple of the repetitions vector r where r=kq for some positive integer k. A class-S algorithm maintains the stateof the system as a vector b that is indexed by the edges of the SDFgraph. Once an actor A has been scheduled r(A) times, a class-Salgorithm does not schedule A again. A class-S algorithm constructs avalid schedule if and only if the SDF graph is sample rate consistent.In other words, each fireable (executable) actor may be repeatedlyscheduled, updating the vector accordingly, until no actor is fireable,and all actors have been scheduled exactly the number of times specifiedby the repetitions vector. This simple valid scheduling approach is anefficient way to quickly assess the consistency of the SDF diagrambefore attempting more complex, e.g., optimized, scheduling.

In one embodiment, the second data flow diagram may be implemented as amore general case of SDF, specifically, a cyclostatic data flow (CSDF)diagram. A CSDF diagram may support cyclically changing but predefinedbehavior, and may allow a higher degree of parallelism, and thus higherthroughput and lower memory requirements. However, scheduling may besubstantially more complicated due to the increased generalization. Inanother embodiment, the second data flow diagram may be implemented as aparameterized data flow diagram.

In one embodiment, the computed periodic schedule may be optimized. Inone embodiment, the periodic schedule may be optimized based on aspecified target for the diagram, e.g., a single processor target. Inother embodiments, the periodic schedule may be optimized with respectto various metrics, including for example, one or more of: programmemory, buffer memory, context switch overhead, and performance, amongother parameters.

In one embodiment, e.g., for single processor targets, program memoryrequired may be minimized by a schedule in which each actor appears onlyonce. For example, in the schedule ABBABCCA, each actor appears multipletimes, while in the schedule (3AB)(2C), each actor makes only a singleappearance. This approach may also minimize the overhead of a functioncall, which may be significant with actors of small granularity. Notethat this approach is only valid due to the fact that SDF assumes thateach appearance of an actor in the schedule is actually inlined code,and not a function call.

Note that by generating an intermediate representation of the scheduleprior to converting the diagram to LabVIEW code (i.e., G code), other,more elaborate, scheduling algorithms may be easily implemented.

In one embodiment, the optimization may include scheduling loops (andtheir enclosed elements) in the following manner:

First, non-trivial strongly connected elements or components of thediagram may be determined. The elements or components may then beclustered, thereby generating an acyclic graph. The acyclic graph maythen be scheduled by applying a topological sort and generating aschedule accordingly, where each cluster is invoked by its repetitioncount.

For each cluster, a sub-independent partitioning algorithm may beapplied to partition the cluster into sub-independent partitions. If thesub-independent partitions are sub-independent of one another, connectedcomponents or elements of each partition may be determined, and the loopscheduling algorithm applied recursively to each partition, replacingthe original schedule with the respective schedules for each partition,and so forth. If, on the other hand, the diagram (i.e., the partitions)is determined to be tightly interdependent the simple schedulingapproach described above may be used to determine a valid schedule foreach cluster.

As mentioned above, in some embodiments at least a portion of the dataflow diagram, i.e., the SDF diagram, may be deployed to a programmablehardware element, e.g., an FPGA, and executed thereon. As an example,the SDF diagram of FIG. 16A will be considered. In this embodiment, anoptimized schedule may be constructed in the following manner, althoughit should be noted that approach described is meant to be exemplary, andis not intended to limit the optimization techniques or algorithms toany particular form or function.

First, the size of the FIFO queues for each edge may be set to the upperbound on the total number of tokens accumulated on the edge per periodicinvocation. Referring back to FIG. 16A, actor A produces one token perfiring, and actor B consumes two tokens per firing. The edge connectingthe two actors has a delay of 3, as indicated. Thus, in this example,the maximum number of tokens is equal to the repetition rate of B timesthe number of tokens consumed by B, plus the delay, or:Max#tokens=1*2+3=5.

Each actor may then be placed inside an independent infinite while loop.Note that since queues are of fixed size, are bounded by the totalnumber of tokens accumulated per period, and are blocking, a deadlockfree valid schedule may be assured. Each actor may then execute as fastas possible on its own execution system, thus facilitating parallelism.Note that this approach is particularly suited for deployment ontoprogrammable hardware elements, such as FPGAs.

Then, the first data flow diagram, e.g., a LabVIEW (G) diagram, may begenerated based on the determined valid schedule. For example, forsingle processor targets, the intermediate representation of theschedule may be parsed and used to generate the first data flow diagramwith first data flow semantics, e.g., a LabVIEW diagram, i.e., theintermediate representation of the schedule may be parsed and convertedto a G diagram.

In a preferred embodiment, the first data flow diagram includes aninfinite outer while loop, with a combination of sequence structures andfor loops to control execution of the graphical program elements, basedupon the dependencies of the actors (e.g., the topology of the SDFdiagram and/or the valid schedule for the SDF diagram).

FIGS. 21A and 21B—Sample Conversion of SDF Diagram to LabVIEW Diagram

FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate a simple SDF diagram and correspondingLabVIEW diagram. As FIG. 21A shows, this SDF diagram includes threeactors, A, B, and C, each operable to perform a respective specifiedfunction, where A produces two tokens per firing, B consumes andproduces one token per firing, and C consumes one token per firing. AsFIG. 21A also shows, a wire implements a feedback cycle that feeds theoutput of actor C back to the input of actor A. As described above, thediamond on the feedback wire signifies a delay element, and specifiesthe initial number of tokens available on that wire. The delay elementis necessary when feedback is present to ensure that the graph does notdeadlock. It is noted, however, that this element is not limited to onlyfeedback wires and may be present in other wires as well.

In a preferred embodiment, converting an SDF diagram with the seconddata flow semantics to a data flow diagram with the first data flowsemantics preferably includes generating a companion diagram, similar tothat described above with respect to the simulation diagram, where thecompanion diagram implements the functionality (and the second data flowsemantics) of the SDF diagram, but where the implementation itselfoperates in accordance with the first data flow semantics, e.g., a Gdiagram using the semantics allowable in LabVIEW. In other words, theSDF diagram may correspond to a companion diagram in accordance with thefirst data flow semantics, where executing the SDF may compriseexecuting the companion diagram

As described above, a repetitions vector for the SDF diagram may becomputed. In this case, the repetitions vector is qG=[1,2,2], specifyingthe rates of execution for A, B and C, respectively.

Then, a valid schedule may be determined based on the repetitionsvector, optionally according to some optimizing criterion such asminimizing the program memory size, and/or buffer memory size. Invarious embodiments, the scheduling algorithms may also optimize forsingle processor scheduling, multi-processor scheduling, and/or parallelhardware scheduling. Other optimizations such as graph retiming may alsobe included to improve the performance of the system. A sample validschedule that may be substantially optimal for program and buffer memorysize for the example SDF diagram of FIG. 21A may be: A(2BC). Accordingto this schedule, A fires first, then BC fires twice. As noted above,the code is preferably inlined, and thus schedules where each actorappears only once may be desired to minimize program memory size.

A G data flow diagram (a LabVIEW diagram) may then be generated orscripted to implement the schedule. In a preferred embodiment, theschedule (e.g., as an intermediate form of the SDF diagram) may beparsed, and a plurality of graphical program elements, e.g., LabVIEWgraphical program elements, determined. These primitives may then beassembled in the companion diagram, as described above.

FIG. 21B illustrates one embodiment of the G data flow diagram (i.e., aLabVIEW diagram) based on the SDF diagram of FIG. 21A. Note that thediagram includes an outer while loop, an enclosed sequence structuredelineating nodes A from B and C, and a for loop enclosing nodes B andC, where the for loop is specified to execute two times per execution ofthe sequence structure. Thus, B and C will execute twice for each time Aexecutes, as expected. In one embodiment, A, B, and C may each includequeuing structures that allow data transfer between these blocks.

Finally, the companion diagram, e.g., the generated G diagram, mayoptionally be targeted to a particular platform. For example, the Gdiagram may be deployed to an embedded platform, such as an FPGA. Forfurther information regarding deployment of graphical programs to FPGAs,please see U.S. Pat. No. 6,219,628, titled “System and Method forConverting Graphical Programs Into Hardware Implementations”, which wasincorporated by reference above.

In some cases, different diagrams may be scripted or generated fordifferent targets, e.g., due to differing constructs required inspecifying queues and/or input/output. Thus, in some embodiments, thegenerated G diagram itself may be an intermediate form for the finalversion of the deployed data flow diagram, where, for example, targetspecific constructs may be generated depending on the intended target.

In one embodiment, the multi-rate nodes or actors may be implementedbased on the external nodes, as described above with respect tosimulation nodes. For example, an external node may wrap a regularLabVIEW subVI with special encodings to denote tokenproduction/consumption rates, dependencies, and appearance in the SDFdiagram.

In one embodiment, SDF actors may only be placed in SDF diagrams.Conversely, in some embodiments, there may be restrictions on whichLabVIEW functions, e.g., subVIs or nodes (e.g., via the wrappingmentioned above) may be included in SDF diagrams. For example, in oneembodiment, only multi-rate nodes and basic numeric, comparison, andanalysis functions may be utilized. In one embodiment, only functionsthat take scalar values may be allowed. In other embodiments, functionsthat take array values (i.e., vectors) may be allowed. Note that due toSDF semantics, in preferred embodiments, data-dependent execution is notallowed in the SDF diagram.

Thus, using the SDF diagram, the user may specify systems which havevarying rates, such as decimators and interpolators, among others. TheSDF diagram may then be scripted into an equivalent G data flow diagram(e.g., a G block diagram) based on scheduling algorithms specific forsynchronous data flow diagrams. The equivalent G block diagram may thenbe targeted to the various platforms on which LabVIEW is running orsupported.

Example: A Simulink to LabVIEW Translator

A specific example of conversion of a data flow diagram with second dataflow semantics to a data flow diagram with first data flow semanticsrelates to the Simulink graphical simulation system, provided by theMathworks, Inc. Simulink is a widely recognized and used system in thesimulation domain. Many simulation developers and users, corporate andeducational, have vast existing Simulink resources in the form ofexperience and software model files, e.g., .MDL files. One embodiment ofthe present invention may facilitate translation of those model filesfrom Simulink to LabVIEW simulation, thereby allowing these users toretain much of their existing work and resources. The translationprocess may also be leveraged to produce virtually unlimited examplesfor use as a learning tool for those experienced with the Simulinkparadigm, but wishing to master the same concepts in LabVIEW simulation.It should be noted that any of the techniques and approaches describedbelow may also be applied to translations between other types of dataflow semantics, or between other graphical programming semantics andprotocols in general.

Simulink is a tool for modeling, simulating, and analyzing dynamic,physical systems. Simulink utilizes numeric integration and analysistechniques to approximate solutions to systems of ordinary differentialequations (ODEs) that model physical phenomena. Simulink represents“systems” using a block diagram approach that is very similar to thatemployed by LabVIEW. Roughly, the notion of a Simulink “system” maps tothe LabVIEW concept of a VI. Simulink systems are in turn made up ofwired “blocks” through which data moves in a manner very similar toLabVIEW dataflow. The blocks can represent either primitive functionsmuch like LabVIEW primitives or “SubSystems” which are conceptuallyequivalent to LabVIEW subVIs. Simulink also provides a block called an“S-Function block” which provides an external interface to code compiledin traditional languages such as C and ADA that is similar to theLabVIEW call-library node. Simulink systems allow feedback on thediagram, similar to the simulation diagrams described above.

In one embodiment, the Simulink to LabVIEW translator may provide aninterface for a user to select one or more Simulink .MDL files and mayperform the translation of those files as accurately as possible. The.MDL file contains a hierarchical definition of the system and theblocks, lines, and subsystems contained within. The Simulink system maybe translated into a top-level VI comprising a simulation diagram thatcontains LabVIEW primitives, wires, and subVIs corresponding to thecontents of the .MDL file, such as the simulation diagrams describedabove in detail.

Common Graph Description

The Simulink .MDL file may be translated to another hierarchical formatcontaining a description of nodes and edges making up a graph, e.g., toa common graph description (CGD) stored in a graph description file. Thehierarchical format is easily described as a directed acyclic graph(DAG) and maps in a relatively straightforward manner into LabVIEW'sprogramming model. In one embodiment, a set of VIs or nodes may beprovided to wrap the scripting VIs and map cleanly to this graphdescription file, thus facilitating the conversion or translation fromvirtually any flow semantics to a generic graph semantics, e.g., thecommon graph description, in the form of the graph description file,also referred to as the CGD file. The generic graph semantics may thenbe converted or translated to any other desired flow semantics, e.g.,the first data flow semantics, e.g., LabVIEW. In other words, virtuallyany flow diagram may be converted to a graph description, which may thenbe converted to LabVIEW (or any other flow diagram). This approach mayalso facilitate translation from LabVIEW (or any other flow diagram) toany another language that maps to the graph description file. Thus, thegraph description file (or equivalent) may allow translations orconversions between virtually any two flow semantics, e.g., betweenSimulink and LabVIEW diagrams. Other example conversions between flowsemantics include System Build (provided by MATRIXx) to/from LabVIEW andMathScript (shareware) to/from LabVIEW, among others, where eachconversion preferably uses the graph description file or format todefine the translated VIs or diagrams.

High-Level Overview of the Translation Process

In one embodiment, the Simulink to LabVIEW translator may comprise twoparts. The first may translate the .MDL file to the CGD format. Thesecond may generate the G code corresponding to the CGD file. This twopart approach may allow for easier implementation of future translators,as they may only need to implement the first part, since the second partmay be generic or common to all translators that generate G code fromthe CGD file.

In one embodiment, external data files may be used to map Simulinkblocks to different CGD elements. This may allow users to create directmappings to custom blocks, e.g., in the form of text mapping files, andso the actual subsystem or subVI may be created for a given Simulinkblock, rather than just a placeholder. These mappings may also simplifyupgrades, e.g., when MathWorks introduces new blocks in later revisionsof Simulink, because new entries corresponding to the new blocks maysimply be added to the text mapping file rather than rebuilding thetranslation engine.

After a CGD file has been created, the G generator may read the file andscript the necessary VIs based on the CGD of the original diagram, e.g.,the Simulink diagram. In a preferred embodiment, the G generator mayhave a similar text based mapping file to facilitate custom LabVIEW or Gblocks and upgrades to new VIs. In one embodiment, a tool, program, ornode (e.g., a VI) may be provided to simplify the process of creatingnew mappings.

As is well known in the art, conversion of a graphical program, such asa data flow diagram (e.g., LabVIEW) or control block diagram (e.g.,Simulink) may require a parser, thus, in a preferred embodiment, thefirst part of the Simulink to LabVIEW translator comprises a parser,more details of which are provided below.

In one embodiment, the translator may support error handling. Forexample, in one embodiment, the parser may be able to recover fromerrors and to report any problems encountered during the translation tousers. In one embodiment, the error handling may also allow a user tolocate and manually correct any such errors, e.g., by providing indexingand auxiliary information, e.g., including text descriptions of theerrors. For example, in one embodiment, when the parser encounters anerror, it may flag the error and pass it along to the generator (i.e., aG-generator). The G-Generator may then store a reference to theoffending LabVIEW object once it has been scripted, e.g., once G codehas been generated, as well as an error or warning message. In oneembodiment, the parser may generate placeholder blocks in place of anySimulink block that it cannot map or that it fails to translate.

In some cases, the file format for the original semantics (e.g.,Simulink .MDL file format) may change, e.g., when revisions to Simulinkare released. Thus, in one embodiment, the translator may be associatedwith or tied to a particular Simulink release, and thus, may includeversion or revision information, e.g., corresponding to the appropriateSimulink revision. As noted above, this complication may be mitigatedsomewhat by the two-step translation process, in that the G-generatorcomponent may remain unchanged. For example, a mapping file update maybe all that is needed to adjust to changes in the .MDL file format, withthe worst case being a revision of the entire parser module.

In one embodiment, the above techniques may also be used to translatetext based programs to G (or any other flow semantics). For example,translators may be provided to translate between Xmath or other textbased languages and G. Similarly, translators may also be providedaccording to the present invention for translating between othersimulation packages, e.g., MATRIXx System Build, etc., and LabVIEW or G,as mentioned above.

Example Parser

The following describes one embodiment of a parser for parsing aSimulink .MDL file and creating a corresponding CGD file. Simulinkstores its files in a text format that includes a hierarchical list ofBlocks and Lines as well as a variety of parameter settings for eachblock, model, system, etc., referred to as a .MDL file.

.MDL Format

The following is an abbreviated example of the structure of a Simulink.MDL file.

Model {  Name “masssprg”  Version 4.00  ...  System {   Name “masssprg”  Location [328, 77, 826, 467]    ...   Block {    BlockType Gain   Name “Gain1”    Position [310, 150, 340, 180]   ... }   Line {    SrcBlock “Gain1”    SrcPort 1   ... }  ... } ... }FIG. 22—Simulink Subsystems

In addition to simple blocks and lines, Simulink .MDL files typicallycontain subsystem blocks which are functionally equivalent to LabVIEW'ssubVIs. A subsystem may be either linked or non-linked. A linkedsubsystem takes the form of a reference block containing a parameterdescribing the location of the subsystem in an external file, while anon-linked subsystem has a body that is fully defined inside the parent.MDL file. Often, users may build one or more .MDL files containinglibraries of subsystems which may then be linked into other MDL files.FIG. 22 illustrates non-linked versus linked subsystems. Note that thehierarchy of a non-linked subsystem is a tree, while the linkedsubsystem is hierarchically a DAG (directed acyclic graph).

Additionally, in one embodiment, subsystems may be masked, e.g., mayhave a user-definable configuration page that may pop-up, e.g., inresponse to double-clicking the subsystem or a reference to thesubsystem. The configuration page preferably allocates named variablesthat may be accessed anywhere within the scope of the subVI and itschildren.

In one embodiment, the translator may handle subsystems by extracting(harvesting) or determining their contents and generating subVIs foreach. As noted earlier, linked-subsystems are inherently distinct fromnon-linked subsystems since a single linked subsystem may be referencedfrom multiple parent systems. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, twopasses through the Simulink diagram may be made, a first pass fordetermining or harvesting the linked subsystems and a second pass fornon-linked subsystems.

Common Graph Description

In one embodiment, the common graph description (CGD) may be stored asXML. For example, the root element may be a <graph>. The <graph> may bea complex data type that may contain several elements within it,including more <graph> elements. Additional complex data types include<node> and <edge> elements. Other elements may be located within one ormore of these blocks. The following is one example of a graphdescription:

<graph name=“mass spring”>  ...  <graph name=“subsystem” subsystem=true>  ...  </graph>  <node name=“gain” xsi:type=“gain”>   <gain>−0.2</gain>  ...  </node>  <edge>   <source>integrator\in1</source>  <destination>gain1\in1</destination>   ...  </edge>  ... </graph>

Note that a graph may contain another graph. This format may be used torepresent both subsystems and subVIs. The distinction between subsystemsand subVIs may be noted in an optional attribute of the graph type. TheCGD format is substantially consistent with the typical layout of a DAG,simply recording the nodes and the edges between them. In oneembodiment, the source and destination of the edges may be described bythe unique node name and the unique name of a terminal on the node.Inputs and outputs to the graph itself may be indicated by a period inplace of the node name.

An XML schema may be created to validate any CGD file, and may definedata types and dictate required and optional attributes and elements.Using an XML schema may ensure that the G generator is capable of usingany CGD file created in accordance with the schema.

Parser Operation

In one embodiment, the first stage in the translation process is theparsing of the .MDL file to generate an intermediate CGD file. In oneembodiment, the parser may be operate as follows:

1. Parser Initialization: Read in the block mapping and any otherauxiliary files, storing the results in data structures encapsulatingthe state of the parser.

2. Linked Subsystem Resolution: Scan each block of the .MDL file. Foreach reference block to a linked-subsystem:

-   -   a. Check if this linked-subsystem has already been encountered.    -   b. Locate the subsystem on disk and read in its contents.    -   c. Add subsystem to list and note dependency of parent block.    -   d. Generate a temporary port-map entry.

2. Walk down the growing array of subsystems, scanning each subsystemfor nested references. For each reference found, check to see whether ithas been encountered before. If so, note the dependency and continue; ifnot, read the new block in, note the dependency, and add it to the endof the list. Note that this process is a breadth-first traversal of thediagram.

Once all linked references have been resolved, dependency sort the listof subsystems such that every subsystem upon which a given system isdependent comes before the dependent system. The ordering is may benecessary so that every subVI that is needed by a parent VI may bescripted or generated before attempting to script the parent itself.

3. Non-linked Subsystem Resolution: Walk the list containing the parentsystem and all of its linked subsystems, and for each, find allnon-linked subsystems and insert their bodies immediately prior to theirparent in the list, resulting in a list containing all of the subsystemsof the model followed by the top level system. Note that in the sortedlist, no subsystem comes before another subsystem upon which it isdependent.

4. CGD Generation: The parser may then subdivide each of the subsystemsin the list into logical components (blocks, lines, etc.), and may thenuse this information to generate a corresponding graph description. Inone embodiment, each time a block is encountered, the parser may look upthe Block Type in the mapping. If found, the result may containinformation about which CGD block to use in place of the Simulink block,as well as parameter mappings and/or other useful information.

5. Error-Handling: When a block is encountered that cannot be mapped forsome reason, a placeholder block may be created and/or inserted in itsplace. Any other errors encountered during the parsing process may bepassed along to the user at this point and may halt the translation ifnecessary.

Example G Generator

After parsing the .MDL file into a Common Graph Description file, theCGD may then be fed into a G Generator that may use VI scripting tobuild the equivalent LabVIEW VIs. This may drive the generation ofLabVIEW VIs via VI scripting. The G generator may be responsible fortranslating CGD blocks to the corresponding LabVIEW VIs and primitivesbased on another mapping file. In one embodiment, the G Generator mayoperate as follows:

1. Generator Initialization: Read in the block mapping and any otherauxiliary files, storing the results in data structures encapsulatingthe state of the parser.

2. Subsystem Creation: All sub-graphs should already be listed in theCGD in the order in which they will be required, e.g., with sub-graphslisted before any others that are dependent upon them, and before thenodes where they are placed on the top-level graph. The generator mayoperate on a single pass through the CGD file, since the parser shouldhave ordered everything as needed. In one embodiment, all graph headerinformation and sub-graph descriptions may come first, so they may begenerated as they are encountered. A mapping file may be referenced toconvert from CGD elements to their corresponding LabVIEW primitives andVIs.

3. System Creation: Next, the nodes on the graph may be placed, e.g., ina LabVIEW data flow diagram, including any sub-graphs. Some nodes mayrepresent front-panel controls and indicators and may be placed at thisstage as well.

4. Wiring: After all nodes have been place, the defined edges may begenerated between them.

5. Error-Handling: Any sub-graphs that are created as placeholders maygenerate an error message, so that the user is made aware of what couldnot be translated directly. Any other errors encountered during Ggeneration may also be passed along to the user.

In a preferred embodiment, the translator may be simple for most usersto operate. The primary interaction may be to select the MDL file to betranslated, and possibly to set a small number of options. Advancedusers may need or desire additional information regarding creating theirown mappings from Simulink blocks or to LabVIEW primitives and VIs, andso this type of information may be provided. Additional information maybe provided explaining possible failures in the translation process andsuggestions as to what to do if an untranslatable block is encountered.In one embodiment, a warning against translating copyrighted materialmay also be included.

Thus, various embodiments of the systems and methods described above mayallow diagrams such as data flow diagrams, i.e., graphical programs, tobe developed that have or support multiple data flow semantics.Additionally, data flow diagrams, or portions of data flow diagrams,that have or support one data flow semantics may be programmaticallyconverted to, or used to generate, data flow diagrams, or portions ofdata flow diagrams, that have or support a different data flowsemantics. In some embodiments, translators may facilitate conversion ortranslation between diagrams that use different semantics and/or syntax,optionally via an intermediate graph description.

Although the embodiments above have been described in considerabledetail, numerous variations and modifications may become apparent tothose skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated.It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace allsuch variations and modifications.

1. A non-transitory memory medium that stores program instructions forcreating a graphical program, wherein the program instructions areexecutable to perform: assembling a first plurality of graphical programelements in a graphical program in response to first input, wherein theassembled first plurality of graphical program elements comprise aplurality of interconnected graphical program elements, wherein theassembled first plurality of graphical program elements have a firstmodel of computation; displaying a structure in the graphical program inresponse to second input, wherein the structure comprises an interiorportion, wherein the structure indicates use of a second model ofcomputation for graphical program elements comprised within the interiorportion of the structure, wherein the second model of computation isdifferent than the first model of computation; and assembling a secondplurality of graphical program elements within the interior portion ofthe structure in response to third input, wherein the assembled secondplurality of graphical program elements comprised within the interiorportion of the structure have the second model of computation; whereinthe graphical program is executable to perform a function.
 2. Thenon-transitory memory medium of claim 1, wherein the programinstructions are further executable to perform: executing the graphicalprogram, wherein said executing comprises: executing the assembled firstplurality of graphical program elements in accordance with the firstmodel of computation; and executing the assembled second plurality ofgraphical program elements in accordance with the second model ofcomputation.
 3. The non-transitory memory medium of claim 2, wherein theprogram instructions are further executable to perform: converting theassembled second plurality of graphical program elements having thesecond model of computation into a third plurality of graphical programelements having the first model of computation; wherein said executingthe assembled second plurality of graphical program elements inaccordance with the second model of computation comprises executing thethird plurality of graphical program elements in accordance with thefirst model of computation.
 4. The non-transitory memory medium of claim2, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:converting the assembled first plurality of graphical program elementshaving the first model of computation into a third plurality ofgraphical program elements having the second model of computation;wherein said executing the assembled first plurality of graphicalprogram elements in accordance with the first model of computationcomprises executing the third plurality of graphical program elements inaccordance with the second model of computation.
 5. The non-transitorymemory medium of claim 1, wherein the first model of computationspecifies a single rate execution of graphical program elements.
 6. Thenon-transitory memory medium of claim 1, wherein the first model ofcomputation does not include explicit feedback connections to implementlooping.
 7. The non-transitory memory medium of claim 1, wherein thefirst model of computation enables specification of parallelism ofgraphical program elements.
 8. The non-transitory memory medium of claim1, wherein the first model of computation specifies a single rateexecution of graphical program elements; and wherein the first model ofcomputation does not include explicit feedback connections to implementlooping.
 9. The non-transitory memory medium of claim 1, wherein thefirst model of computation comprises graphical structure nodes thatspecify looping, wherein the graphical structure nodes do not includeexplicit feedback connections to implement looping.
 10. Thenon-transitory memory medium of claim 1, wherein the first model ofcomputation comprises graphical structure nodes that specify conditionalbranching of operations.
 11. The non-transitory memory medium of claim1, wherein the first model of computation comprises graphical structurenodes that specify sequencing of operations.
 12. The non-transitorymemory medium of claim 1, wherein the graphical program comprises a dataflow diagram; wherein the first model of computation comprises a firstdata flow semantics; and wherein the second model of computationcomprises a second data flow semantics.
 13. The non-transitory memorymedium of claim 1, wherein the first model of computation comprises abasis model of computation operable to implement the second model ofcomputation.
 14. The non-transitory memory medium of claim 1, whereinthe second model of computation comprises a basis model of computationoperable to implement the first model of computation.
 15. Thenon-transitory memory medium of claim 1, wherein the second model ofcomputation supports a multi-rate execution of graphical programelements.
 16. The non-transitory memory medium of claim 1, wherein thesecond model of computation includes explicit feedback connections toimplement looping.
 17. The non-transitory memory medium of claim 1,wherein the second model of computation specifies a multi-rate executionof graphical program elements; and wherein the second model ofcomputation includes explicit feedback connections to implement looping.18. The non-transitory memory medium of claim 1, wherein the secondplurality of graphical program elements comprises a control blockdiagram utilizing control block notation.
 19. The non-transitory memorymedium of claim 1, wherein the second plurality of graphical programelements comprises a simulation diagram, wherein at least a subset ofthe second plurality of graphical program elements comprise simulationnodes, and wherein the simulation diagram implements a simulation. 20.The non-transitory memory medium of claim 19, wherein the simulationnodes support direct feed-through and indirect feed-through for inputsand outputs of the simulation nodes.
 21. The non-transitory memorymedium of claim 19, wherein at least one of the simulation nodescomprises a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs; wherein afirst output of the plurality of outputs requires only a subset of theplurality of inputs; and wherein the least one of the simulation nodesis operable to fire upon reception of the subset of the plurality ofinputs to generate the first output.
 22. The non-transitory memorymedium of claim 19, wherein at least one simulation node of thesimulation nodes supports a feedback cycle between an output of thesimulation node and an input of the simulation node.
 23. Thenon-transitory memory medium of claim 22, wherein at least onesimulation node of the simulation nodes supports a feedback cyclebetween an output of the simulation node and an input of the simulationnode if: the input of the simulation node has indirect feed-through tothe output of the simulation node.
 24. The non-transitory memory mediumof claim 19, wherein at least one of the simulation nodes executes twoor more times per execution of the simulation diagram.
 25. Thenon-transitory memory medium of claim 19, wherein the programinstructions are further executable to perform: computing a feed-throughmapping of inputs to outputs for the simulation nodes; and storing thefeed-through mapping.
 26. The non-transitory memory medium of claim 19,wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:configuring one or more simulation parameters for the simulationdiagram; and storing the configured one or more simulation parameters;wherein the configured one or more simulation parameters specifyoperation of the simulation diagram.
 27. The non-transitory memorymedium of claim 19, wherein at least one of the simulation nodesrepresents a sub-simulation diagram, wherein the sub-simulation diagramcomprises two or more additional simulation nodes.
 28. Thenon-transitory memory medium of claim 27, wherein the programinstructions are further executable to perform: configuring one or moresimulation parameters for the sub-simulation diagram; and storing theconfigured one or more simulation parameters; wherein the configured oneor more simulation parameters specify operation of the sub-simulationdiagram.
 29. The non-transitory memory medium of claim 27, wherein thetwo or more additional simulation nodes are operable to execute in thesimulation diagram in an inlined manner.
 30. The non-transitory memorymedium of claim 19, wherein the structure comprises a simulation loopstructure enclosing the second plurality of graphical program elements,and wherein the simulation loop is operable to execute the simulationdiagram one or more times to advance the simulation one time step. 31.The non-transitory memory medium of claim 30, wherein the simulationloop structure comprises a loop iterator terminal and a stop terminal;wherein the loop iteration terminal is incremented upon the beginning ofa time step; wherein the stop terminal is evaluated at the end of a timestep; and wherein the simulation is operable to stop at a specified stoptime or when the evaluation of the stop terminal indicates that thesimulation is to stop.
 32. The non-transitory memory medium of claim 31,wherein the structure comprises a multi-rate loop structure enclosingthe second plurality of graphical program elements, and wherein at leasttwo of the second plurality of graphical program elements have differentexecution rates.
 33. The non-transitory memory medium of claim 32,wherein the second plurality of graphical program elements comprise anSDF diagram.
 34. The non-transitory memory medium of claim 33, whereinthe second plurality of graphical program elements comprise SDF nodesinterconnected via one or more edges, and wherein each edge specifies afirst-in, first-out (FIFO) buffer and a delay.
 35. The non-transitorymemory medium of claim 34, wherein each SDF node is specified to consumea respective first number of tokens, and is further specified to producea respective second number of tokens, and wherein the delay for eachedge specifies an initial number of tokens residing on that edge. 36.The non-transitory memory medium of claim 35, wherein the programinstructions are further executable to perform: computing a repetitionsvector for the SDF diagram, wherein the repetitions vector specifies arespective number of times each SDF node should fire to consume alltokens.
 37. The non-transitory memory medium of claim 30, wherein thesimulation loop structure comprises one or more terminals comprising: aninput terminal for inputting one or more simulation parameters; an errorinput terminal for inputting error information to the simulationdiagram; and an error output terminal for outputting error informationfrom the simulation diagram.
 38. The non-transitory memory medium ofclaim 37, wherein the one or more simulation parameters comprises one ormore of: iteration memory medium; start time; stop time; time step forthe simulation; minimum and maximum time step sizes; and integratortolerance.
 39. The non-transitory memory medium of claim 33, wherein theprogram instructions are further executable to perform: configuring oneor more parameters for the SDF diagram; and storing the configured oneor more parameters; wherein the configured one or more parametersspecify operation of the SDF diagram.
 40. The non-transitory memorymedium of claim 33, wherein the SDF diagram corresponds to a companiondiagram in accordance with the first model of computation; and whereinexecuting the SDF comprises executing the companion diagram.
 41. Thenon-transitory memory medium of claim 34, wherein the programinstructions are further executable to perform: computing a validperiodic schedule for the SDF diagram based on the repetitions vector.42. The non-transitory memory medium of claim 41, wherein said computingthe valid periodic schedule for the SDF diagram is performed at compiletime.
 43. The non-transitory memory medium of claim 41, wherein theprogram instructions are further executable to perform: optimizing theperiodic schedule regarding one or more of: program memory; buffermemory; context switch overhead; and performance.
 44. The non-transitorymemory medium of claim 19, wherein the simulation diagram corresponds toa companion diagram in accordance with the first model of computation;and wherein executing the simulation diagram comprises executing thecompanion diagram.
 45. The non-transitory memory medium of claim 1,wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:providing debug information for the assembled first plurality ofgraphical program elements in accordance with the first model ofcomputation; and providing debug information for the assembled secondplurality of graphical program elements in accordance with the secondmodel of computation.
 46. The non-transitory memory medium of claim 1,wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:receiving debug input for the assembled first plurality of graphicalprogram elements in accordance with the first model of computation; andreceiving debug input for the assembled second plurality of graphicalprogram elements in accordance with the second model of computation. 47.The non-transitory memory medium of claim 1, wherein the second model ofcomputation specifies a synchronous data flow (SDF) model ofcomputation.
 48. The non-transitory memory medium of claim 1, whereinthe program instructions are further executable to perform: convertingat least a portion of the graphical program into a form suitable fordeployment on a programmable hardware element.
 49. The non-transitorymemory medium of claim 48, wherein the program instructions are furtherexecutable to perform: deploying the converted at least a portion of thegraphical program onto the programmable hardware element; and executingthe graphical program, wherein said executing comprises executing theconverted at least a portion of the graphical program on theprogrammable hardware element.
 50. The non-transitory memory medium ofclaim 1, wherein the second model of computation specifies one or moreof: cyclostatic data flow; and parameterized data flow.
 51. Thenon-transitory memory medium of claim 1, wherein the graphical programcomprises a plurality of interconnected nodes that visually indicatefunctionality of the graphical program.
 52. The non-transitory memorymedium of claim 1, wherein said including a first plurality of graphicalprogram elements in a graphical program in response to first inputcomprises: arranging a plurality of nodes on a display; andinterconnecting the plurality of nodes.
 53. The non-transitory memorymedium of claim 1, wherein the graphical program comprises a blockdiagram portion and a user interface portion.
 54. The non-transitorymemory medium of claim 1, wherein the graphical program comprises aheterogeneous graphical data flow program.
 55. The non-transitory memorymedium of claim 1, wherein the graphical program is operable to performone or more of: an industrial automation function; a process controlfunction; a test and measurement function.
 56. The non-transitory memorymedium of claim 1, wherein the program instructions are furtherexecutable to perform: executing the graphical program to perform thefunction.
 57. The memory medium of claim 56, wherein, during executionof the graphical program, the graphical user interface is displayed on adisplay of a first computer system and the block diagram executes on asecond computer system.
 58. The non-transitory memory medium of claim56, wherein said executing the graphical program comprises highlightingeach graphical program element in the graphical program while thegraphical program element is executing.
 59. A computer-implementedmethod for creating a graphical program, the method comprising:utilizing a computer to perform: assembling a first plurality ofgraphical program elements in a graphical program in response to firstinput, wherein the assembled first plurality of graphical programelements comprise a plurality of interconnected graphical programelements, wherein the assembled first plurality of graphical programelements have a first model of computation; displaying a structure inthe graphical program in response to second input, wherein the structurecomprises an interior portion, wherein the structure indicates use of asecond model of computation for graphical program elements comprisedwithin the interior portion of the structure; and assembling a secondplurality of graphical program elements within the interior portion ofthe structure in response to third input, wherein the assembled secondplurality of graphical program elements comprised within the interiorportion of the structure have the second model of computation; whereinthe graphical program is executable to perform a function.
 60. A systemfor creating a graphical program, the system comprising: a processor; amemory medium, coupled to the processor; and an input, coupled to thememory medium and the processor, and operable to receive input; whereinthe memory medium stores program instructions implementing a graphicaldata flow programming environment, wherein the program instructions areexecutable by the processor to: assemble a first plurality of graphicalprogram elements in a graphical program in response to first input,wherein the assembled first plurality of graphical program elementscomprise a plurality of interconnected graphical program elements,wherein the assembled first plurality of graphical program elements havea first model of computation; display a structure in the graphicalprogram in response to second input, wherein the structure comprises aninterior portion, wherein the structure indicates use of a second modelof computation for graphical program elements comprised within theinterior portion of the structure; and assemble a second plurality ofgraphical program elements within the interior portion of the structurein response to third input, wherein the assembled second plurality ofgraphical program elements comprised within the interior portion of thestructure have the second model of computation; wherein the graphicalprogram is executable to perform a function.
 61. A non-transitorycomputer-accessible memory medium that stores program instructions forcreating a graphical program, wherein the program instructions areexecutable to perform: including a first plurality of graphical programelements in a graphical program in response to first input, wherein theincluded first plurality of graphical program elements comprise aplurality of interconnected graphical program elements, wherein thefirst plurality of graphical program elements comprise a first portionof the graphical program in accordance with a first model ofcomputation; including a structure in the graphical program, wherein thestructure comprises an interior portion, wherein the structure indicatesa second portion of the graphical program in accordance with a secondmodel of computation for graphical program elements comprised within theinterior portion of the structure; and including a second plurality ofgraphical program elements within the interior portion of the structurein response to second input, wherein the structure and the secondplurality of graphical program elements comprised within the interiorportion of the structure comprise the second portion of the graphicalprogram having the second model of computation; wherein the graphicalprogram is executable to perform a function by: executing the firstportion of the graphical program in accordance with the first model ofcomputation; and executing the second portion of the graphical programin accordance with the second model of computation.